Fourteen new physicians are now practising in rural communities across Saskatchewan.

The physicians come to the communities after completing the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program in December.

“SIPPA plays an important role in our ongoing physician recruitment efforts, and we are pleased to see its continued success,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said.

Over the past 12 years, 539 physicians worldwide have completed the SIPPA program.

Currently, 304 practitioners are in the province, 77 percent of whom have established practices in rural or regional communities.

The SIPPA program assesses internationally educated physicians on their medical training and clinical ability as part of the licensure process to practice medicine in Saskatchewan.

Upon completing the SIPPA assessment, they agree to work in the province for at least three years through a return-of-service contract.

Dr. Jon Witt, SIPPA’s program director at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, thanks the physicians for choosing Saskatchewan as their destination to continue their medical career in Canada.

“I know that their communities appreciate the time, dedication and all the hard work to successfully complete their clinical field assessment and are looking forward to welcoming them on this next step in their journey.”

Physician recruitment and retention efforts in the province are ongoing. Saskatchewan physicians recently accepted a new four-year contract, which includes a general rate increase and increased funding to support long-term retention, parental leave, and continuing medical education.