This Doctors’ Day, Health Sciences North (HSN) proudly recognizes the dedication, compassion, and expertise of its medical staff.
Across every department and specialty, HSN physicians are delivering high-quality care to patients and families throughout Northeastern Ontario, often in the face of growing demand and limited access to primary care across the region. Their commitment ensures patients receive timely, specialized care close to home.
Within this group, HSN’s Hospitalist team plays a critical role in strengthening access to inpatient care. Each day, a team of eight Hospitalist physicians provides care to an average of 130 hospitalized patients, many of whom do not have access to a family physician in the community. Their work supports continuity of care, reduces gaps in service, and helps ensure patients are safely managed from admission through to discharge.
To further enhance care delivery, HSN has successfully recruited 40 new physicians in the last year, including 23 specialists ranging from surgery to medical imaging to psychiatry, and 17 physicians specializing in family medicine. Out of the 40 new physicians, 20 trained at NOSM University.
HSN also leveraged physician recruitment initiatives such as the Practice Ready Ontario program. Through this effort, internationally trained physicians are joining the Hospitalist team, helping to expand capacity, improve access, and support timely care for patients across the region. This approach reflects a practical and impactful solution to addressing physician shortages in Northern Ontario while strengthening the sustainability of hospital-based care.
“Strong physician recruitment and innovative care models are essential to meeting the healthcare needs of Northern communities,” said Dr. Pankaj Bhatia, Chief of Staff at HSN “At HSN, we are committed to building and supporting teams that can respond to increasing demand while maintaining a high standard of care for our patients.”
As healthcare systems across Ontario continue to face capacity pressures, HSN remains focused on solutions that enhance access, support physicians, and improve patient outcomes. The Hospitalist program, alongside targeted recruitment efforts, demonstrates how strategic investments in people and care models can make a meaningful difference for patients in the North.