Amherst Expands Doctor Training Supports
Amherst is included among six hospitals getting upgrades to improve the space used to train family medicine residents.
The Minister of Health says, “We are working hard to train, attract and keep family doctors in Nova Scotia, and the family medicine residency program is one of best recruiting tools.” Randy Delorey added, “It is important they have the space and equipment they need to get the most out of their residency.”
Infrastructure funding of $3.15 million will help finish the work being done to accommodate new family residents in Amherst along with New Glasgow, Truro, Antigonish and Inverness. It will also allow for construction of a new building next to the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville.
The needs vary in each location, ranging from renovating or creating space for training, adding a room for residents to stay when they are on call, and additional furniture or technology.
Government announced 10 new family medicine residency spaces in 2018 as part of Dalhousie University's Family Medicine Residency Training Program.
Residents spend two years in a family practice where they follow patients and gain skills and experience in areas like maternal care, mental health, and senior care.
The residency training program has proved valuable as an effective recruitment tool. Experience shows a good percentage of residents who train in rural settings (2012-17) stayed to practise in the same or similar communities.
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