MP Brown announces 3rd Annual Doctor Recruitment Scholarship Recipients

February 19, 2010

Barrie – MP Patrick Brown was pleased to announce the recipients of the Doctor Recruitment Scholarship Fund today.

MP Brown raises funds for the Scholarship fund through local events, such as his Annual BBQ, Pancake Breakfast and additional fundraising efforts throughout the year. This year’s scholarships are worth $10,000 in total. The scholarship is provided in partnership with and sponsored by the Barrie and Area Physician Recruitment Task Force, Rob Hamilton and The Queen’s Hotel.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support in raising funds for these students. Through these scholarships we are able to help entice medical students back to Barrie” said Patrick Brown.

In order to qualify for the scholarships recipients were required to submit a 500 word essay on why they want to practice medicine in Barrie. Candidates must be students that are currently studying medicine, in residency or a foreign trained doctor writing equivalency exams.

There are 4 scholarships to be awarded. The breakdown of the awards is as follows:

• $2500 -  International Medical Graduate (2 to be awarded)
• $2500  - Medical Student
• $2500 -  Family Medicine Resident

The proud recipients included Christos Bamparamos, Sarah Mullen, Erik Zufelt and Ryan Zufelt.

Rob Hamilton and The Queens Hotel contributed $2000 towards the scholarship fund. Rob Hamilton said “Having a family physician is one of the most important issues for Barrie residents.” He added, “Currently more than 30,000 residents do not have a family doctor therefore I am very pleased to be a part of this initiative.”

“I would like to congratulate the recipients on being chosen for the scholarships and upon completion of their studies look forward to welcoming them back to our community. Many thanks to all those who participated in the scholarship process.” said MP Brown.