​Kincardine approved as residency training site by Western University

The Kincardine Family Health Organization has announced its official designation as a residency physician training site by Western University.

That’s the word from the organization in a press release, issued Wednesday.

Starting in July, 2026, Kincardine will host a full-time Family Medicine Residency Program, marking a transformative step forward in local health-care education and service.

“This approval is a significant milestone for our community,” said Dr. Jason Murray, residency program site director. “Not only does it elevate Kincardine’s role in training the next generation of physicians, but it also enhances our community’s ability to attract and retain family physicians.”

Studies show that family physicians are more likely to stay in the community where they complete their residency training. Through this partnership with Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kincardine will welcome two resident physicians each year; one Canadian medical graduate and one international medical graduate.

The physicians will be matched through the Canadian Resident Matching Service. Resident physicians have completed medical school and are on their final step toward becoming fully-licensed doctors. Currently, Kincardine hosts residents for short-term rural placements.

“We often have physician residents come from the city and work with us for a month or two,” said Dr. Angela Cavanagh, lead physician of the health organization. “They are often impressed by our community, but don't end up staying long term. As a residency training site, we will be able to integrate new physicians into our community and show them everything this beautiful area has to offer. The Kincardine doctors are committed to doing our part in training the next generation of physicians within our community.”

Beginning next July, these resident physicians will complete two full years of continuous medical training with the doctors in Kincardine, living and learning within the community. Training will include hands-on experience in primary care, hospital inpatient care, and emergency medicine, all under the guidance of experienced local physician preceptors. Additional surgery and obstetrical rotations will take place through other South Bruce Grey Health Centre sites.

“Recruitment and retention of doctors continues to be a challenge for many small communities,” Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig. “I applaud the hard work done by the Kincardine Family Health Organization. This group applied for, and was awarded, a residency designation that will make an enormous positive change in the provision of health care in the Municipality of Kincardine and beyond our borders. The Physicians’ Group has once again shown a strong commitment to the future of our community.”

The establishment of a full-time residency program reflects years of collaboration among the Kincardine physicians, Western University, and the municipality. It represents an important endeavour in the long-term sustainability of rural health care in the region.