It appears to be two steps forward, one step back for the Athabasca Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (APRRC).
Dr. Lecia Buys, a former recruit of the committee, has confirmed that sheíll be leaving Athabasca in June, but has also indicated that two more female doctors will be setting up practices in Athabasca.
No one from the physician recruitment committee was willing to confirm the impending arrivals, but other sources have indicated their likelihood.
Dr. Michael Smith said itís ìpretty solidî that Dr. Renate Teise-Smith will join his practice from Saskatchewan, sometime in the summer months.
ìShe has to do a stint at an Alberta hospital for three months before she can come to my practice,î he said.
Smith said there have been extensive renovations to his building to accommodate another doctor.
Smith also said there has been a lot of interest in the new doctor, and that people have been calling asking to be put on her patient list.
Buys and Smith both indicated that a second doctor will be arriving from South Africa to replace Buys at the Family Health Centre.
As for her departure, ìit is all very sudden,î Buys said.