The Work
Physicians looking to practice in Sioux Lookout have a variety of work options from which to choose. Physician service is provided to the community of Sioux Lookout and to 31 First Nation communities comprising of a total catchment area of over 25,000 and is provided by three different physician groups. Prospective physicians can work in a clinic setting, emergency department, or do some northern travel to a remote first nation's community depending on which group they elect to work for. Not only are there a variety of groups to work with, the work itself is diverse and family physicians can expect variety in the clinical challenges making for a rewarding, fulfilling experience.
The Sioux Lookout health care system is experiencing an era of extensive change. In April 1997, an historic four party agreement signed by First Nations, the Municipality, and the federal and provincial governments committed to amalgamating Sioux Lookout's federal and provincial hospitals and building a new combined health care facility. The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre was incorporated in December 2001. Its unique Board of Directors reflects the population of the northern and southern communities in the catchment area. The Board is comprised of 2/3 First Nation members and 1/3 town and community members.
At present, a full range of acute-care services are offered. Many services have been developed to address specific needs of the area including a tuberculosis program, diabetes program, mobile ultrasound, a renal dialysis unit and town and first nation's mental health/addictions programs. Given the construction of the new facility, many services are expected to be enhanced including mental health, chronic and extended care services.
The Hugh Allen Clinic Family Health Group operates the town clinic on 5th Avenue in Sioux Lookout serving the Sioux Lookout residents. Physicians in the group also work in the Emergency Department, and Obstetrics.
The Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority - Primary Health Care Unit serves 28 First Nation communities. Physicians travel to the remote communities up to 5 days/month to work in the community nursing stations. Physicians also provide support to the nursing stations by phone/fax. The Primary Health Care Unit also operates an appointment clinic in the 7th Avenue Meno Ya Win site.
The First Nation Family Physicians Health Services serves the First Nation communities with frequent northern visits. Clinic service is provided within the 5th and 7th avenue clinics.
In partnership with First Nation Family Physicians Health Services Amdocs provides a community-based, patient-centered physician service. Amdocs care model embraces comprehensive healing relationships and wellness rather than brief moments of in-person patient visits. Amdocs physicians practice in small remote northern communities 220 days/annum on a Monday through Friday basis.
The three groups are committed to ensuring students, residents and physicians have a meaningful, learning, work experience and offer a supportive, collaborative work environment. Each practice is a group setting where colleagues share and provide advice and support to each other. This environment plays a key role in the satisfaction levels of physicians.