Press Release
Dr. Jason Shack, chair of the Fort Frances Physician Recruitment Committee, is pleased to announce two new physicians coming to the community: Dr. Melanie Halvorsen and Dr. Craig Holland.
“In addition to Drs. Halvorsen and Holland, in the past year we also recruited our second general surgeon, Dr. Bahram Shahi,” said Dr. Shack.
“This is the first time in many years that we have welcomed three new physicians to the Fort Frances community,” he added.
“It is a good indicator that our recruitment efforts are focused in the right direction as we prepare to participate in the provincial Health Professionals Recruitment Tour this September,” noted Dr. Shack.
“Riverside Health Care’s physician recruiter Todd Hamilton was instrumental in helping Dr. Holland navigate both the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario certification process and the Citizenship and Immigration Canada process,” noted Allan Katz, RHC president and chief executive officer.
“With this experience, we are better prepared to assist other American physicians who may be interested in relocating to our area,” he added.
“In addition, we will be welcoming Lucas Keffer and Robert Foulds as third-year Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) learners this month,” Dr. Shack added.
Lucas grew up in Fort
Frances where his family has lived for 16 years. After finishing a BA in religion and culture, he was admitted to the NOSM West campus.
Robert was born in Thunder Bay and grew up in Nipigon. He possesses a BSc in Human Kinetics from Guelph and a research-based MSc in Kinesiology and Health Science from York.
“It is very important that we continue to offer opportunities for medical learners from NOSM,” Dr. Shack noted. “It provides great exposure to our community for future physicians.”
Dr. Halvorsen is a graduate of the University of Ottawa Medical School and is returning to her home town.
Dr. Halvorsen, her husband, Jeff Bottomley, who also is an engineer, and their daughter recently moved back to Fort Frances.
Dr. Halvorsen completed her medical residency in Happy Valley and Goose Bay, Nfld., and is looking forward to seeing patients at the Fort Frances Community Clinic and will be providing emergency department and hospital services.
Dr. Holland is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathy and has practiced in various areas of the U.S., including service in the U.S. military.
Dr. Holland and his wife, Pam, are relocating from Midland, Mich., and look forward to the outdoors and northern lifestyle, as well as having some space to pursue their interest in agriculture and wildlife.
Dr. Holland will have a family practice at the Fort Frances Community Clinic and will also provide emergency department and hospital services.
The Fort Frances Recruitment Committee is a collaborative partnership featuring active participation from the Town of Fort Frances, Nelson Medicine Professional Corporation, Fort Frances Community Clinic and Riverside Health Care.
