When it comes to locums (temporary physicians) or newly recruited doctors in Saugeen Shores, thanks to the Society of United Professionals they have a convenient and welcoming place to stay.
In November, 2009, the Society handed over the keys to two condominiums in Southampton which they have leased back to the Town for one dollar ($1) per year.
In a report by Jill Roote, Manager, Strategic Initiatives at the December 8th meeting of Council, she presented a report on the activities of the condo(s) usage.
“This donation provides temporary housing for residents, locums, or physicians new to the community,” said Roote, “so they can settle in quickly and provide immediate care in the hospital or clinic.”
The report highlights the condo activity. The Customer Service Coordinator for Communications schedules the physicians into the condos and, from 2014 to 2025, the two condominiums provided accommodation for a total of 314 physicians. In 2024, Morpeth units 5 and 6 accounted for 1,130 tenant nights with 27 tenants, while in 2025, the units saw 1,113 tenant nights with 26 tenants.
According to the report, the slight decrease in tenant nights between 2024 and 2025 “reflects a shift in the nature of housing requests, with an increased number of locum physicians opting for placement in the Town-owned Arlington family-style, unshared unit, which was used more frequently than ever before”.
The report also points out that, in 2025, there were a total of 22 learners and six preceptors/mentors. Most of the activity came from medical residents engaged in a rural rotation as part of their medical degree from the University of Toronto, followed by McMaster University. Other schools represented were the University of Western Ontario and the University of Windsor.
Student schedules typically start the second week of January, and rotations are back-to-back all year. Each student rotation is between four to eight weeks long, depending on the University. When the accommodation is arranged, each student receives a welcome package noting local shopping, restaurants, and activities in addition to detailing what they need to know about their stay in the condo. After they leave, staff follow up with students as a way of making connections for future recruitment opportunities.
From 2021 to 2025, six doctors took on mentoring the students.
- Dr. Gleba supervised the largest group of learners, totalling 23
- Dr. Dyke followed with 19
- Dr. Khan and Dr. Marriott each mentored 18 learners
- Dr. Jeffery oversaw 13 learners
- Dr. Bock, who began supervising in 2025, worked with two learners.
“The Town deeply appreciates the dedication of Drs. Gleba, Dyke, Bock, Jeffery, Khan, and Marriott, whose active participation is essential for physician recruitment and for providing students with valuable experience in Saugeen Shores,” said Roote.
To read Roote’s full report … CLICK HERE
To view the original November 29, 2009 article … CLICK HERE
