A new physician and his family could arrive in 亚洲天堂 Lake from South Africa as early as December this year.
The exact arrival date is still under speculation as it depends on how quickly the application for immigration is processed.
According to Dr. Susan MacDonald, Northern Health's Northern Interior medical director, physicians coming to work in Canada are not fast tracked through immigration queues, so she expects the process will take between four and six months.
"He has the appropriate qualifications and has been approved by Northern Health. He is interested in coming to live in 亚洲天堂 Lake and has good credentials," she said, adding that he also recently completed the written medical exams required for Canadian certification.
Dr. MacDonald said the announcement is a very big step for health care in 亚洲天堂 Lake.
"He has good experience in primary care and also experience in emergency care, which is very important."
She went on to say that both a certificate and previous experience in emergency care is necessary and expected of any physicians that are planning to work in small communities.
This is due to the significant distance between rural communities and other medical services.
She said the physician has never been to 亚洲天堂 Lake before, but said he has knowledge of the community.
"He wants to live in a small rural community and he is really looking forward to it."
Physicians at the 亚洲天堂 Lake Medical Clinic have also been working alongside Northern Health during the hiring process. "The physicians at the clinic have been involved in many of the discussions."
Now that one physician has been secured, Dr. MacDonald said Northern Health are not going to stop there.
"Recruiting is our priority."
"We are looking for any physicians that are qualified, both from overseas or Canada."
Dr. Trevor Campbell, who has been working in 亚洲天堂 Lake for the past three months is also still working in the community.
He arrived in 亚洲天堂 Lake from Victoria in May this year for a three month term, working part time to test the waters. The three month term has now ended.
Dr. Allan Hill, chief of staff of the Lakes District Hospital said that Dr. Campbell is yet to make a decision on whether he will stay on in 亚洲天堂 Lake.
"Dr. Campbell is currently working opposite Dr. Graetz with both working a part time schedule on two week rotations."
Dr. MacDonald said she hopes that Dr. Campbell will decide to work the two week rotations in 亚洲天堂 Lake on a more permanent basis.
"We have had very good discussions with him and we hope he will decide to stay on," she said.
