Dr. Karen Sandhu has joined the Orangeville Family Medical Centre as a family practitioner. Dr. Sandhu has been a physician with Headwaters Health_Care Centre's Emergency department since 2008.

"I am excited about opening my family practice in Orangeville," Dr. Sandhu said.

"I initially considered opening a practice here during my medical training, when I trained for a few months under Dr. Cole and Dr Knox, who are two family doctors in Orangeville. I liked the 'small town' atmosphere in a town that was only one hour away from Toronto."

Dr. Sandhu. who lives in Orangeville with her husband, added: "Everyone that I met was very friendly and down-toearth. After completing my medical training, I started working in the Emergency Department at Headwaters. I loved the collegial atmosphere of the medical staff, and how everyone seemed to be genuinely happy.

"I explored many communities in Ontario while trying to decide where to permanently work."

Thanking the Greater Dufferin Area Physician Search Committee for helping her to find the right location to open her medical practice, she said there were "many reasons why I chose to join Orangeville Family Medical Centre (OFMC).

"The Centre has a very good reputation for excellent medical care. I appreciate that everyone works in a team setting including allied health professionals. The entire office uses an electronic medical record which is highly efficient. Most importantly, I enjoy working here because of all of the wonderful people who work with me."

Established in 1998, OFMC now has six family physicians committed to excellence in patientfocused, evidence-based medical care. utilizing a team approach. This progressive physician group has created a centre where the practice of medicine is enjoyable and supportive of its members and team, fostering an environment that facilitates health not only for patients but also for the professionals, their staff and families.

Dr Sandhu has already become an integral part of the medical staff, with her recognized combination of diagnostic skills and ability to communicate well with her patients. She has proven to be a team player who is providing excellent medical care to her own patients and to other patients of the centre.

"The team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and administrative staff of OFMC warmly welcome Dr. Sandhu to the team," said Dr. Ken Derksen, OFMC;s lead physician.

Dr. Sandhu received her medical degree from Queen's University in 2006 and completed her family medicine residency at the University of Toronto in 2008. She completed her clinical training with Toronto East General Hospital and the South East Toronto Family Health Team in Toronto.

"Dr. Sandhu has been a great addition to Headwaters' Emergency Department," said Dr. Jeff McKinnon, Chief of Staff, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

"Her enthusiasm and rapport with patients is an asset and we are delighted_ that she has decided to open her family practice in Orangeville."

To build her practice Dr. Sandhu is requesting that patients looking for a family doctor register with Health Care Connect, a program launched by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to help Ontarians without a family health care provider find one.

The program refers people who are without regular care to physicians and nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients in their community. Ontarians without a regular health care provider can register for the Health Care Connect program by calling 1-800- 445-1822.