New Clinic Opens Doors to Patients in Whitehorse

For Release #06-002
Thursday, Jan 5, 2006

WHITEHORSE - Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers today welcomed the Yukon's newest doctor to the territory. Dr. Naresh Patel opens the Sudevi Family Clinic on Monday, Jan. 9.

"I am very happy to welcome Dr. Patel to the territory," Cathers said. "We have been hearing for a while now that many Yukoners are in need of family physician services. Now there is a new doctor taking on new patients."

Dr. Patel arrived in the Yukon in early December and has been working with Dr. Ngozi Ikeji, under a special license. Under the terms of his license, Dr. Patel will be supervised by Dr. Ikeji and Dr. Bruce Beaton for a period of time.

Originally from Kenya, Patel has spent the last five years working in the area of occupational health and safety at a medical clinic in Hamilton, Ontario. The father of two, a daughter at McMaster University and a son in Grade 12, Patel says his wife will transfer here with the TD Canada Trust Bank.

"I was looking for work as a family physician in Canada and the Yukon seemed to offer the best opportunities," Patel said. "I expect it will be very busy but I am looking forward to it."

Cathers said the government will continue to work with the Yukon Medical Association to resolve the ongoing issue of physician shortages.

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