New doctor coming to Kincardine in August, 2016

Kincardine will be getting a new physician next summer.

Chief administrative officer Murray Clarke said Thursday (Dec. 3) that council has approved an agreement with Dr. Damian Gunaratne to take up his medical practice at the Kincardine Community Medical Clinic in August next year.

His arrival will provide much-needed relief to the physicians at the clinic who have collectively been shouldering the patient burden, resulting from the loss of three doctors and the general surgeon - Dr. Rejean Duwyn and Dr. Steven Poirier left in July, while Dr. John Engle, and surgeon Dr. Michael Gora left last month.

The hiring of Gunaratne was made possible by the Kincardine physician recruitment program which is supported by a partnership that includes Bruce Power and the Town of Saugeen Shores, said Clarke. "Recently, Gunaratne spent five weeks in Kincardine working in the clinic before making his decision this past week. He and his fiancé are excited about this opportunity and look forward to beginning their new adventure in Kincardine."

An important factor in his decision to accept Kincardine’s offer, was the provision of one of two houses generously provided by the Society of Energy Professionals to support the community’s physician recruitment program.

“This exciting announcement is an important step toward our goal of achieving a full complement of family and emergency room physicians to meet the community health needs at our medical clinic and the Kincardine hospital," said Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie. "I would also like to express sincere appreciation to the Kincardine Family Physicians Group for its commitment and extraordinary effort in providing quality patient care in this challenging time.”