Fifth new doctor set to begin practice in Kincardine this fall

Dr. David Blecher is the fifth new doctor to set up his practice in Kincardine this year.

Following a closed session at Kincardine council last night (Aug. 3), the municipality approved an agreement with Blecher to join the Kincardine Physicians' Group, effective Nov. 1, states a press release, issued Thursday by chief administrative officer Murray Clarke.

Blecher completed his medical training in Ontario and Newfoundland, and has remained in Port aux Basque, working as a full-time family physician and Emergency Room (ER) doctor, for the past three years. He and Jessica relocated to the community earlier this year and are looking forward to making Kincardine home, bringing Jessica a little closer to family in Sauble Beach.

"The physicians and staff at the Hawthorne Community Clinic and the Kincardine hospital, are pleased to welcome Dr. Blecher to our group and to our community," said physician lead Dr. Lisa Scott. "He has been working here as a locum and ER doctor since early May. We have really appreciated his help over the past few months and look forward to working with him permanently in the fall.”

“We are delighted with the news that Dr. Blecher will be joining the physicians’ team at the Hawthorne Community Clinic in November," said Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie. "This is a further demonstration of the success of our physician recruitment program and the efforts of our recruitment team, particularly the hard work and perseverance of Peggy Zeppieri, our medical recruitment specialist.”

The recruitment of Blecher 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.

Also new to Kincardine, are Dr. Daniel Soong who arrived in July to work for several months in the emergency room and then establish his practice; Dr. Damian Gunaratne who opens his practice this month; Dr. Anna Czyrny who arrives in September to work full-time in the emergency room; and Dr. Jason Murray who arrives in October.

The Kincardine medical clinic also has three nurse practitioners: Julia Higgins, Melissa Wright and Hailey Walsh.

Last year, Kincardine lost three doctors and the general surgeon.