Red Carpet Rolled Out For New Doctors
Goderich Signal Star
A welcome reception was held at The Bistro in Goderich to welcome Goderich’s new physicians, (from left), Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, Dr. Tamra Steinmann, Dr. Mark Reddington and Dr. Cheryl Willsie. (Dave Flaherty/Goderich Signal Star)
A welcome reception was held at The Bistro.
Family practitioner Dr. Tamra Steinmann, general surgeon Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer and psychiatrists Dr. Mark Reddington and Dr. Cheryl Willsie are the newest additions to Goderich’s health care community.
Both Reddington and Willsie performed their residencies at Western University in London.
Reddington said Dr. Jeff McAuley at Alexandra Marine General Hospital (AMGH) has been a mentor to him and sang the praises of Goderich, which had an impact on his decisions to come here.
The setting of a smaller hospital was also attractive to Reddington.
“It’s nice being able to put names to faces,” he said.
Willsie began at AMGH last July and said the community has been very welcoming.
Her colleague also put in a good word.
“Mark was set on coming here. So I thought I’d come check it out and it’s beautiful here,” she said.
Goderich’s smaller hospital was also an attractive factor to her.
“It allows you to have continuity of care,” she said.
Willsie performed a placement at AMGH last year, which really made an impression on her.
She noted she was pleasantly surprised by the welcome reception.
“It’s great that everyone cares so much to come out and welcome us,” she said.
Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway Rural Health Research Institute said that having local doctors involved in teaching helps to attract new physicians.
She also highlighted the recent agreement between AMGH and Gateway that allows doctors in the area to have research opportunities.
Devereaux was very pleased with how the reception went off.
“It really shows what kind of community Goderich is.”
Mayor Kevin Morrsion, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and a number of Goderich town councillors were on hand.
Morrison said he wanted to give a large amount of credit to former Mayor Deb Shewfelt for his efforts in doctor recruitment over the years.
“I really want to thank Deb, he had a real passion,” Morrison said.
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