A2 - The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, August 29, 2006 -Two more doctors setting up practices in Milton îNew pIlysiL.Lans expected ncxi yeai,- but Milton still short of doctors By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Multon's physician shortage will soon be further alleviated now that two new doctors are making plans to set up shop next spring. The female physicians have confirmed they'll corne to town toi practise family medicine early next year, said Halton Physician Recruitment Co-ordinator Angela Sugden- Praysner. "ltIs been a busy summer," she said. "A lot of physicians I he two doctors arc recent graduates, one lrorn the University of Toronto and the other the University of Western Ontario. Sugden-Praysner said its still undecided as to, whether they'll join existing practises or have their own offices. She noted that shes also, been working with another physician who could potentially corne to, Milton next month but has yet to confirm. "Our fingers and toes are croased," she aid.- Recently, American-trained physician Dr. George Gleisner joined Miltons medical èommunity. The 40-year-old got hris start as a doctor in the province through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontarios (CPSO) Registration Through Practice Assessment Program. The initiative thoroughly assesses physicians and then lance Classese Ages 2 to aduit J, Tap, Ballet Hip Hop &more \Moming Yoga temseand try a FREE *bga class. membership required. Phom today ti6boe your s"o BOYS 112 price Recreational là Competitive C programs available Registration Dates ý" 4~August 29th, 3Oth & 31 st 1 pm - 8pm September 5th, 6th & 7th 1 pm to 8pm NO REGISTRATION FEES 8000 Square Foot Facility J/ Viewing Windows 180 Nipissing Road, Units #5-8 905m878.5736 www.dance.elite.ca practice in the province with an agreernent wo work in an under-serviced area for five years. Recruitmnent efforts have also been successful around the rest of the region. Three more doctors have been Iined up for Burlington, with one coming next month and two more at the end of the year. In Oakville, one new physician started in February while another just amrved to assume the practice of a retining doc- tor. And in Halton Hilis, Sugden-Praysner said the big news is that a female physician has signed on to, corne to Acton next month. But despite aIl of this. the Ministry of Health and Long- Termn Care stili deerns three of Haltons municipahties under- serviced when it cornes to, doctors. Sugden-Praysner said Milton is considered short two doc- tors, Halton His, five, and Burhington, six to eight. While Oakville hasn't received the provincial under-serv- iced designation, Sugden-Praysner estirnated it's short by about six to eight doctors as weIl. "The need is very great," she noted, adding that plans are in the works to make an application for Oakville to officially be deerned short on physicians by the Province. A re-application for Milton's under-serviced designation is also, going to be made, since the town is growing rapidly and the current shortagze figure la based on an outdated popula- tion. Doing so would likely make the town short another six or eight doctors. Although the under-serviced designation may sound like a negative thing, it actually cornes with some perks. Farnily physicians that agree to, practise in under-serviced areas for two years or more can receive up to $40,000 in free tuition frorn the Province. For more information on the Regions physician recruit- ment program visit wwwhalton.ca. Melanie Hennessey can bc reached at mhennessey@mni1ton- canadianchampion.com. De