Welcome to a wonderful area to live and to practice medicine. With so many areas of the country competing to attract physicians, many people ask me why I live and work in Central Algoma. The answer is that it provides a great lifestyle with an intellectually and financially rewarding medical practice. I first came to Thessalon as a locum, and after a variety of urban medical experiences decided it suited me best. I have now been here since 1996.

My husband and I have a beautiful home on Lake Huron, where we enjoy sunrise and sunset from our wrap-around deck. We are also lucky enough to own a beautiful cottage on Big Basswood Lake, just 15 minutes from home. Algoma has some of the province's most beautiful lakefront property at prices that are pleasantly surprising to people from Southern Ontario. My "commute" to the office or hospital takes about 4 minutes, so that I can even get home at lunch time!

We love to travel. Working here allows me to do this because I have paid leave with locum support. In the past few years I have hiked in Greece and Spain, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, explored Macchu Pichu and gone on safari in Tanzania, as well as spent significant beach time in the Caribbean. Despite our rural location, Sault Ste. Marie's airport is only 110 km away, and Toronto and Ottawa are within reasonable driving distance.

The beautiful rural location and the financial incentives would not be sufficient if I didn't love my practice. I have a varied family practice, with interests in Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care. There are a nursing home and a small hospital where I can manage my own inpatients. I have an appointment as clinical faculty at the new Northern Ontario Medical School, and teach medical students on rotation twice a year, and can access the faculty development offered by the school. As well, there is a small but collegial group of Rural Physicians in the area that meet for CME, as well as business relating to our contracts, local governance, and hospital associations.

Central Algoma is a perfect fit for me, and it may be for you as well. Please contact us if you are interested in locum or permanent practice opportunities.

Heather Blois