The Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) has accommodated 14 new physicians after completing their program early this year.
The 14 physician are now practicing in rural communities across Saskatchewan according to a release issued on wednesday.
This addittion has increased the annual capacity of SIPPA from 45 to accommodate another six to eight seats which will be divided across the three assessment cohorts throughout the year.
“Ensuring that rural Saskatchewan has a robust health care system requires attracting and retaining top talent,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said.
With the SIPPA program, there are 307 doctors practicing in the province,74 per cent of whom have established a practice in rural communities.
“SIPPA is pivotal in achieving this goal by providing international physicians with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and integrate into our smaller communities,” said Mcleod.
We are committed to supporting this program and welcoming these dedicated professionals as they contribute to the health and wellbeing of our province.”
“The contributions of our internationally trained physicians, who have chosen to build their careers in Saskatchewan, play an important role in supporting our health care services and I am also grateful for the ongoing collaboration and support from all stakeholders who work every day to make SIPPA a success,” said Dr. Jon Witt SIPPA Program Director.
The SIPPA program assesses internationally educated physicians on their medical training and clinical ability as part of the licensure process to practice medicine in Saskatchewan. Through a return-of-service contract, they agree to work in the province for a minimum of three years upon completion of the SIPPA assessment.
“The organisation celebrates the addition of the new physicians through SIPPA, who join the larger community of physicians working together every day to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said.
“Their commitment to practicing medicine in rural, northern and remote areas enhances our ability to provide care closest to home as possible,” she added.
