The push to bring new family doctors to for West Northumberland is having great success again with the addition of two new physicians in Port Hope. The West Northumberland Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (WNPRRC) is happy to announce the retirement of Dr. Lino Durante, and the recruitment of Dr Shazaad Ali and Dr. Malik Awan to Port Hope. Both are adding additional patients to their roster.
Dr. Shaazad Ali Graduated from University of Leeds. He completed his Family Medicine training and initially practiced in the northern part of the United Kingdom. He relocated to Canada in 2018 with his wife and 3 children. Initially he worked Saskatoon, SK before moving to Ontario in 2020. He practiced rural medicine in Grey County and was exploring options in Ontario before meeting learning about WNPRRC through a previous recruit, Dr. Lebbe. “My friend had been very happy with his experience and support received by Maria (of the WNPRRC), and encouraged me to also consider moving here” said Dr. Ali.
Dr. Malik Awan graduated from University of Rawalpindi Medical College in 1989. Similar to his friend, he began practice in Saskatchewan. After careful consideration, he joined Port Hope with the support of the West Northumberland Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. “I have added 900 patients to my panel, and I am happy to add more who are looking for primary care!”
Dr. Durant says it all started with a locum opportunity 41 years ago, “I started a locum for the summer of 1981 in Port Hope, some say I forgot to leave.” Dr. Durante graduated from the University of Ottawa medical school in June 1979. He completed his two years of residency and worked in Toronto briefly before finding Port Hope. Durante says “I am forever blessed by the support and love of my wife Sally, and our family of children, Lauren, Cailin, Christian and Jason.” He also credits his support from his previous colleagues who welcomed him to the community 40 years ago.
“A final nod of gratitude goes to Maria Gomez, who through her diligent work found both doctors to take over my practice. Having come to know these two extraordinary gentlemen and professionals, it was a relief to retire, knowing I have left my patients I very capable, professional and caring hands. Thank you all. The future brings much promise and I look forward to enjoying it for years to come. Remember this, keep your glass always half full in your attitude,” advised Dr. Durante.
Gerald Blackstock, chair of the WNPRRC said “ “Thanks to all involved as we continue to improve access to primary health care in Northumberland.”
Still, Gomez said more doctors will be added to the area. “We’re not done yet. We have been fortunate hire so many new physicians to our community, but now we have to shift our focus to planning for the future.” The WNPRRC has created a survey to help identify the primary care needs of our community, and are inviting members who do NOT have a family physician to fill out our survey.
For more information about the survey, please follow northumberlanddocs.ca or check with your local municipality websites for the Community Healthcare Needs survey link.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
