Five new family physicians are now practicing in Chatham-Kent, with most currently accepting new patients, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent announced.
The municipality said the physicians are joining local healthcare teams through a partnership involving the Chatham-Kent Family Physician Recruitment & Retention Task Force, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team, local Family Health Teams and other healthcare partners across the community.
The new physicians are Dr. Kaelan Harwood with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Blenheim, Dr. Adebisi Ogundipe with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Wallaceburg, Dr. Paige Parent with the Thamesview Family Health Team in Wheatley, Dr. Syed Shah with the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Chatham and Dr. Adib Shamsuddin with the Thamesview Family Health Team in Chatham.
Municipal officials said the additions represent continued progress in improving access to primary care across Chatham-Kent.
“Access to family healthcare is one of the most important issues facing communities across Ontario, and we are proud to see real progress being made here in Chatham-Kent,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “This success is the result of strong partnerships between the municipality, healthcare organizations, the Physician Recruitment Task Force, and the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. Welcoming five new family physicians to our community is a major accomplishment and an important step toward connecting more residents with the care they need.”
The municipality said it has continued supporting physician recruitment through funding, incentives and community partnership initiatives approved by council.
In 2025, Chatham-Kent provided funding to support physician recruitment efforts across the municipality, including incentive programs aimed at attracting new family physicians to local communities.
“The recruitment of new family physicians takes a coordinated effort across many organizations and individuals,” said Rebecca Smyth, physician recruitment coordinator with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. “We are seeing the benefits of communities, healthcare providers, and municipal leadership working together toward a common goal. We are excited to welcome these physicians and support them as they establish long-term practices in Chatham-Kent.”
The municipality added it has also worked with healthcare partners to support clinical space expansion opportunities and strengthen recruitment and retention efforts throughout Chatham-Kent.
“Council recognized that improving access to primary care required a collaborative and proactive approach,” said Audrey Ansell, director of community culture and connections for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. “The partnerships that have been built between the municipality, the Ontario Health Team, Family Health Teams, and healthcare organizations have created a strong foundation for success. We are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing and remain committed to supporting healthcare recruitment efforts across Chatham-Kent.”
Residents without a family physician are encouraged to register through Healthcare Connect, a provincial program that helps Ontarians find a family healthcare provider, or by calling 1-800-445-1822.
More information about physician recruitment efforts in Chatham-Kent is available at www.physicianswantedck.com.
