Practice Ready Ontario Physicians Bring Primary Care to over 3,500 Local Residents

Access to primary care in Sault Ste. Marie has been strengthened with the arrival of three internationally trained physicians through the Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) program.

Established by Touchstone Institute and the Ontario government in 2023, the PRO program helps internationally trained physicians integrate into Ontario’s healthcare system by replacing re-education requirements with a 12-week assessment, in turn speeding up their pathway to practice.

Through this program, three experienced physicians, Dr. Haque, Dr. Shawon, and Dr. Adibi, have brought their expertise, dedication, and global perspectives to patients at Group Health Centre (GHC).

Dr. Haque began her medical career in India and practised for nearly ten years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After immigrating to Canada in 2017 as a permanent resident, she joined the PRO program while building a future for her family. She joined GHC in May 2025 and quickly settled into her role as a family physician, crediting the strong support system around her for making the transition seamless.

“One of my proudest achievements since joining has been my smooth transition into the role of a family physician,” said Dr. Haque. “This was made possible by the exceptional support, mentorship, and guidance I received. The practice environment and team truly influence success, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a collaborative setting.”

Dr. Shawon joined GHC in August 2025, bringing extensive experience from rural hospitals, outpatient clinics, and tertiary care settings. Drawn to the collaborative culture of Canadian healthcare, she quickly found both professional fulfillment and a welcoming community in Sault Ste. Marie.

“From the beginning, the community welcomed me and my family so warmly. Because of that, this truly feels like home now, and I’m very committed to serving the people here and supporting the health of this community”.

“During a routine follow-up visit, a patient shared something that stayed with me. They held my hands and said they feel confident about their health because I am their physician. In that moment, I was reminded that medicine is not only about diagnoses or treatment plans, but about the trust patients place in us, and the quiet responsibility that comes with it.”

Originally from Iran, Dr. Adibi joined GHC in September 2025, bringing years of clinical experience and a strong dedication to comprehensive patient care. For him, the PRO program was a chance to make a meaningful contribution to Canadian healthcare while continuing his professional growth. During his time at GHC, he has experienced patients’ gratitude and the team’s warm, welcoming support.

“Seeing patients feel cared for and appreciated, while working alongside such friendly and collaborative teammates, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to be part of an environment where everyone works together to provide the best care possible.”

Together, these three physicians have enabled over 3,500 patients to transition from GHC’s temporary Access Care Clinic back to primary care at GHC, significantly improving continuity of care in the community.

“Welcoming these Practice Ready Ontario physicians means that thousands of our neighbours now have a trusted primary care home. This reflects our continued commitment to improving access to primary care, ensuring patients receive timely, continuous care close to home,” said Lil Silvano, president and CEO of GHC.

“The PRO pathway has created a new and vital recruitment channel for GHC and for Sault Ste. Marie. This new pathway supports GHC’s ability to bring in more physicians, which in turn increases rostering capacity and expands access to primary care for the community,” notes Dr. Stewart, CEO and board chair of the Algoma District Medical Group.

Their arrival highlights the vital role that internationally trained physicians play in strengthening Ontario’s health system and ensuring patients have timely access to comprehensive family medicine.