Getting new doctors close to home is one way to close this gap, giving local families better access to ongoing and proactive healthcare. As communities across Simcoe Muskoka work to improve access to primary care, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is helping grow the next generation of family physicians and encouraging more doctors to build their careers in the region

Several new family doctors are expected to begin practicing in Barrie and area this fall after completing their training with the Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) in Barrie, a collaboration between RVH and the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

The Barrie FMTU program provides resident physicians with hands-on training in both community and hospital settings, under the guidance of RVH clinicians, as they complete the final two years of their family medicine residency. This experience equips resident physicians with the skills, experience and community connections needed for their own future practice while helping address the growing need for primary care across the region.

“We know access to primary care is a challenge for many people in our community, and we know RVH can have a role in alleviating that,” says Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg, Chief of Staff and Vice President, Academic & Medical Affairs. “By continuing our collaborative partnership with the University of Toronto, we’re bringing skilled resident physicians to our region and training the next generation of family doctors. It’s important work that we’re proud to be a part of.”

As part of the process to expand its role in medical education and training, RVH helps these residents grow into confident and compassionate physicians while becoming invested in the community along the way.

Of the eight resident physicians graduating from the Barrie FMTU this summer, six are planning to stay and practice locally. Dr. Cezara Ene is one of them.

“I had a very positive experience at RVH and the Barrie FMTU. I’m grateful to all of the preceptors for their time, effort, and support throughout residency,” says Dr. Ene. “I couldn’t have asked for a better residency program and can’t imagine training anywhere else.”

What really stuck out to Dr. Ene was the sense of community and connection she found at RVH.  “The sense of camaraderie was so impactful,” she says. “As we enter independent practice, it’s been very reassuring to know that there is a strong community around us.”

It is this strong connection to the community, along with diverse learning opportunities in real-world care settings that allows RVH’s FMTU continue to attract talented resident physicians from across the province – residents like this year’s incoming Drs. Bayan Khorsandnia, Bhavika Mandi, Chad Turner, Eric Wang, Leah Kogan, M. Shayyan Wasim, Marianne Wauchop, Navah Ball, Pegah Fatemi, and Robert Khatib to the FMTU in Barrie.

“We look forward to working with and growing alongside our incoming residents during their time with us. Our program places top-notch academics and training in the context of genuine community care,” says Dr. Melissa Witty, Staff Physician and Site Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. “This dynamic creates skilled and well-rounded family doctors ready to provide care close to home. It’s a unique learning environment, and one that improves outcomes for patients in our region.”

RVH extends thanks and congratulations to the graduating residents, Drs. Cezara Ene, Muzna Bano, Rylie Essington, Daniel Friedberg, Chris John, Dhurga Vaikunthan, Noah Yang and Sharon Yang.

Dr. Ene and the five other graduates who plan to practice in Barrie and area this year will help to keep local families healthier, reduce pressures on emergency department services and improve community well-being.

Anyone looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. The free provincial program is the fastest way to be matched with a primary care provider in the region, and with new providers accepting patients, now is the time to register.

As Simcoe Muskoka continues to grow, RVH is helping build the physician workforce that communities need by training and supporting the next generation of family doctors, creating more opportunities for residents to access care and helping communities thrive for years to come.

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A family-owned and operated waterfront restaurant located at the Midland Town Dock, The Boathouse Eatery overlooks the shores of beautiful Georgian Bay and has long been a gathering place for locals, visitors, families, and staff alike. Known for its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, the restaurant offers casual dining, fresh and flavourful food, live music, and stunning views of the Bay, making it a year-round fixture in the Midland and Georgian Bay community.

“At the heart of a strong community is access to excellent health care,” say owners Kirk McNabb and Taylor Kendall. “GBGH plays a vital role in caring for our families, friends, staff, and neighbours when it matters most. As a family-owned business, we see how deeply connected our community is and how important it is to support the places that care for us when we need it most. Becoming a strategic partner with the GBGH Foundation is our way of giving back to a place that gives so much.”

As a Business Cares Strategic Partner, The Boathouse Eatery joins the We See You campaign, a $35-million initiative to strengthen care at GBGH through investments in vital equipment, technology, and acute mental health services. The campaign is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for — inside and out.

“The Boathouse Eatery has been supporting GBGH for many years through in-kind contributions and generous donations, and we’re grateful to see that commitment grow in such a meaningful way,” says Robyn Blanchet, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “Kirk and Taylor genuinely care for people — not just around the table, but across the community. This partnership strengthens our hospital’s ability to care for patients and families today and into the future.”

Through Business Cares, The Boathouse Eatery joins a growing network of local businesses who recognize the vital role of health care and choose to invest in its future — helping to build a stronger hospital and a healthier community for everyone who depends on GBGH.

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: http://weseeyougbgh.ca/ or to learn more about Business Cares, visit: https://gbghf.ca/get-involved/business-cares/ 

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During the dealership’s employee pricing event, Cavalcade Ford will donate $500 to South
Muskoka Hospital Foundation for every new or used vehicle sold in the months of August
& September.

“Cavalcade Ford is proud to support the hospital that our employees, customers and
neighbours count on,” said Will Miller, Owner of Cavalcade Ford. “This event gives our
customers an opportunity to find the right vehicle at employee pricing while helping
strengthen healthcare in our community. Every vehicle sold will generate a $500 donation,
and we hope this campaign encourages other local businesses to find their own way to
support the hospital.”

“Community partnerships like this make a real and immediate difference for local
healthcare,” said Kathryn Devlin, Director of Philanthropy, South Muskoka Hospital
Foundation. “The Miller family has been supporting our hospital for 40 years and funds
raised through this new campaign will help ensure our hospital continues to be able to
provide exceptional care here in South Muskoka.”

Community members are invited to visit Cavalcade Ford during August and September to
explore its selection of new and used vehicles and take part in the employee-pricing event.
For details, visit Cavalcade Ford at 420 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, or call 705-645
8731.

Will + Larry Miller

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Hospitals across Simcoe Muskoka and Grey Bruce have launched the Central Ontario Research Ethics Board (CO-REB), a shared partnership that will help hospitals and healthcare providers advance research and innovation closer to home.

Research plays an important role in improving care, testing new ideas, and giving patients access to opportunities that may not otherwise be available through standard care. From clinical studies and innovative technologies to new approaches for delivering care, this work helps continually improve the quality of care provided today while shaping the future of healthcare for years to come.

CO-REB provides formal oversight for research involving human participants, helping ensure studies are carried out safely and in line with the highest ethical standards. This oversight protects participants and builds public trust by upholding people’s rights, dignity, and well-being.

Through CO-REB’s shared model, participating hospitals have access to a shared ethics review process for studies across participating hospitals, saving time and cost while supporting consistent research oversight.

The initiative builds on the existing Research Ethics Board at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), expanding it into a regional model supported by shared governance and participation across the founding hospitals, including Brightshores Health System, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, and RVH.

“This is an exciting step forward for hospitals, researchers, and communities across our region,” says Dr. Nancy Trimble, retired family doctor and CO-REB Chair. “When hospitals work together, we can create sustainable pathways for patients to access research opportunities closer to where they receive care.”

CO-REB was created to support research in community hospitals, where more than 65 per cent of the province’s hospitalized patients receive care, but where access to formal research systems has often been limited. While health research has traditionally been concentrated in large academic centres, community hospitals are playing an increasingly important role in clinical trials, frontline and bedside research, and real-world innovation. By establishing a single, shared REB across partner hospitals, CO-REB helps advance locally relevant studies across Central Ontario.

“Community hospitals are essential to expanding Ontario’s clinical trials ecosystem, but they need practical infrastructure that helps them participate efficiently and consistently,” says Susan Marlin, President of Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO), an organization established by the Province of Ontario in 2012 to make Ontario a preferred location for global clinical trials. “By supporting shared ethics review across community hospitals, CO-REB helps make more sites trial-ready, reduces duplication, improves study start-up, and maintains strong protections for research participants.”

The CO-REB framework has been designed to grow over time to support other hospitals and healthcare teams. As additional partners join, CO-REB will help build a more connected regional research ecosystem and create stronger pathways for rural and smaller communities to shape research that reflects what matters most locally.

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The Midland District Shrine Club has proudly supported GBGH for more than 21 years. With this latest contribution, the club’s cumulative giving now exceeds $27,000—an extraordinary legacy of generosity that continues to strengthen local health care for patients and families across North Simcoe.

Thank you to the Midland District Shrine Club for your longtime commitment to causes close to home and for helping ensure excellent care remains available in our community for generations to come.

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“Presenting this donation is an especially meaningful experience for me,” said Sherry Middaugh. “I had the opportunity to curl against Sandra many times throughout our careers, so seeing funds raised in her memory making a difference at GBGH—the very hospital where both of our daughters were born—made this a truly heartfelt, full-circle moment. I’m grateful to play a small role in continuing Sandra’s remarkable legacy and helping support families in our community.”

The new monitor will help the obstetrics team keep a close watch on the well-being of mothers and babies throughout labour and delivery, providing confidence and reassurance during one of life’s most important moments. The equipment will also give expecting mothers greater freedom to move during labour while remaining safely monitored.

“Moms and babies deserve the safest possible start,” said Maggie Duivenvoorden, Supervisor of Obstetrics at GBGH. “This equipment helps our team respond quickly if concerns arise during labour, while also supporting a more comfortable and positive birth experience. We are incredibly grateful to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for helping us continue to provide excellent care for our littlest patients.”

For Perry Esler, Interim CEO of the GBGH Foundation, the grant represents much more than equipment funding.

“The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has created an incredible legacy by bringing together Canada’s curling community in support of hospitals and families from coast to coast. Seeing leaders in the sport such as Glenn Howard and Sherry Middaugh helping champion this cause is a reminder of the powerful impact that community can have. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the difference it will make for local families welcoming a new baby at GBGH.”

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Ontario Investing $55.8 Million to Open the First Medical School for Family Doctors | Ontario Newsroom

York University School of Medicine will train more primary care providers to deliver connected health care, close to home.

To protect Ontario’s health-care workforce, the Ontario government is investing $55.8 million to support the planning and operations of York University’s new school of medicine. As the first medical school in Ontario that is focused on training family doctors, the York School of Medicine is expected to open in 2028 and will bolster Ontario’s pipeline of highly skilled primary care providers, helping fulfill Ontario’s commitment to ensure that everyone who wants to have a primary care provider can access one.

“Ontario-trained family doctors are the backbone of our health-care system, providing compassionate care for our loved ones from everyday checkups to life’s greatest challenges,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “This investment will ensure that Ontario has a strong pipeline of family care providers to deliver excellent care for decades to come.”

This investment will fund initial planning for the York School of Medicine such as accreditation, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, establishing a medical library, training costs and operating costs for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. When the school opens, it will have 80 undergraduate seats and 102 postgraduate seats, growing to 240 undergraduate seats and 293 postgraduate seats at full capacity.

“Our government is strengthening Ontario’s world-class physician workforce through the largest medical education expansion in over a decade,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Today’s $55.8 million investment in planning and operations at the new York School of Medicine brings us a step closer to adding hundreds of new family medicine seats, which will support the primary care needs of our province for generations to come.”

The Ontario government is leading the largest expansion of medical education in the province in over a decade. The expansion includes additional seats at all six medical schools across Ontario, as well as the establishment of two new medical schools, the Toronto Metropolitan University Medical School, which welcomed its inaugural cohort last fall, and York, which is slated to open in 2028. Today’s investment is on top of the initial $9 million invested by the Ontario government to begin the design and planning for York’s Medical School in 2024.

“We are deeply grateful for this $55.8 million investment from the Government of Ontario, which serves as a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for the York University School of Medicine,” said Lisa Philipps, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of York University. “This will be a school where physicians are trained for the health system Ontarians need. Together with our hospital and other health care partners, we are building a community-based model of medical education that will expand access to care across northern Toronto, York Region, Simcoe County, Muskoka and beyond as we move toward accreditation and prepare to welcome our inaugural class in 2028.”

Ontario will continue to take bold and decisive action to protect Ontario’s health-care system and grow the province’s highly skilled health-care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care, closer to home, for generations to come.

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Two SaveStations and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were generously donated to the Township by North Simcoe Tree Service and installed at Washago Centennial Park and the Coldwater Fairgrounds. An additional SaveStation was purchased and installed by Beers Pharmacy in Washago.

Following the ribbon cutting, Action First Aid provided an awareness session to help attendees learn how to access an AED and respond confidently during a cardiac emergency.

“These new SaveStations are an important investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Mike Burkett. “We are grateful to North Simcoe Tree Service and Beers Pharmacy for helping make lifesaving equipment more accessible to residents and visitors. Their generosity could make a critical difference when every second matters.”

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and often requires members of the public to take immediate action before emergency responders arrive. Starting CPR right away and using an AED can increase survival rates by up to 75 percent or more. SaveStations provide quick, outdoor public access to AEDs 24 hours a day.

“Today’s training was an opportunity to show community members that they do not need to be medical professionals to use an AED,” said Deb Hennig, President, Action First Aid . “The device provides clear voice instructions and will only deliver a shock when one is needed. The most important thing is for bystanders to act quickly and confidently.”

No certification is required to use an AED. In an emergency, a bystander can open the SaveStation, remove the AED, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The AEDs are safe for adults and children and will not deliver a shock unless one is medically required.

“North Simcoe Tree Service is proud to give back to the communities where our employees, customers, and families live,” said Alex Quesnelle of North Simcoe Tree Service. “We hope these AEDs are never needed, but having them available at busy community locations provides an added level of safety and peace of mind.”

The highly visible SaveStation cabinets are designed for year-round outdoor use and help protect AEDs in both hot and cold weather. Built-in monitoring technology can also help ensure the equipment remains ready for use.

“Having a publicly accessible AED available 24 hours a day can make a lifesaving difference during a cardiac emergency,” said Matt Beers, owner of Beers Pharmacy. “By placing AEDs in busy, accessible locations, local businesses and property owners can help expand cardiac safety coverage and create a safer community for everyone.”

The new installations provide residents and visitors with greater access to lifesaving equipment at popular community gathering places throughout Severn.

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West Nile virus circulates between birds and some mosquito species. People can become infected through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. The risk is highest in late summer. The health unit recommends taking the following steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent approved for use in Canada and follow the label instructions.

• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
• Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but the virus can cause serious illness in some cases. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and sensitivity to light. In rare cases, it can lead to serious neurological illness. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical care.

The health unit continues to monitor mosquito activity by trapping and testing mosquitoes and checking for larvae at selected locations across Simcoe Muskoka during the summer.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNV.

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Dr. Mehdi Dadashi, an experienced family physician with 20 years of clinical experience in family medicine and emergency care, will begin serving the Ramara community this fall. His arrival represents another important step in addressing local health-care needs and expanding access to primary care services for residents.

“Welcoming Dr. Dadashi to Ramara is tremendous news for our community,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Together with Dr. Mo, Dr. Dadashi will help create a strong primary care network in Ramara, providing residents with greater access to family medicine and connected health services close to home. We are grateful to our partners at the Couchiching Ontario Health Team and the Orillia & Lake Country Physician Recruitment Committee for their continued support in helping bring physicians to our community.”

Dr. Dadashi will join Dr. Anoushka Mohammadiankhorasani (Dr. Mo), who has now opened her practice at the Ramara Medical Centre in Brechin, and is connecting with patients. Together, the two physicians will help expand access to primary care services for residents and strengthen local health-care options closer to home.

Dr. Dadashi brings 20 years of clinical experience in family medicine and emergency care. Throughout his career, he has provided comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages, including chronic disease management, preventive care, health promotion, and urgent medical care. He has also worked extensively in hospital and emergency settings managing acute and complex medical conditions. In addition to joining the Ramara Medical Centre, Dr. Dadashi will provide services at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

“Recruiting physicians to rural communities requires collaboration, innovation and a strong local commitment,” said Dr. Kim McIntosh, Primary Care Physician Lead for the Couchiching Ontario Health Team. “The addition of Dr. Dadashi further strengthens our local health-care system and enhances our ability to connect residents with comprehensive, team-based care close to home.”

“I am honoured and excited to join the Ramara community and become part of its growing health-care team. Family medicine allows physicians to build lasting relationships with patients and families while supporting their health through every stage of life,” said Dr. Dadashi. “I have already experienced the warmth and welcoming spirit of the community and am grateful for the support shown by local leaders and health-care partners. I look forward to serving the residents of Ramara and working alongside my colleagues to provide accessible, compassionate, and high-quality care close to home.”

The Ramara Medical Centre will operate as part of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Primary Care Network, where local health-care providers work together to improve access to integrated, high-quality care. Through this partnership, patients benefit from access to a broader team of health-care professionals, including allied health supports provided through the Couchiching Family Health Team.

How to Become a Patient:

Priority will continue to be given to Ramara residents as part of this local physician recruitment initiative.

Dr. Mo is now connecting with patients and will be conducting meet-and-greet appointments. Health Care Connect continues to actively match patients with Dr. Mo and will begin matching patients with Dr. Dadashi.

Residents who have not yet registered and are interested in becoming a patient of Dr. Mo or Dr. Dadashi should register through Health Care Connect at:

Phone: 1-800-445-1822 or call 811
Website: ontario.ca/HealthCareConnect

Residents who are already registered with Health Care Connect do not need to register again and should monitor their email for further information. If your contact information has changed, please contact Health Care Connect to ensure your information is up to date.

Residents who are already attached to a primary health care provider and are interested in becoming a patient of the new physicians in Ramara are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. Patients do not need to leave their current physician to go on the Health Care Connect list.

Individuals requiring assistance with the registration process may contact Emily at the Couchiching Ontario Health Team at 705-329-3649 ext. 241.

For more information on health-care services in Ramara, visit ramara.ca/HealthCare.

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