Goderich marked an important milestone in its ongoing effort to strengthen local healthcare, formally recognizing nine physicians who have joined the community in recent years. The celebration highlighted a rare success story at a time when many rural Ontario regions continue to grapple with severe physician shortages.
Hospital representatives and community members gathered on December 4 to honour doctors who have taken on roles at Maitland Valley Medical Centre (MVMC) and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH). All nine arrived within the past five years, with five recruited in just the last year - an uncommon surge in new medical talent for the area.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the physicians who have joined us recently, bringing their unique experiences and skills to a strong team built by those who have been here, serving our community with dedication for many years,” said Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of Huron Health System. “Welcoming them to our community strengthens our hospital, supports our healthcare teams, and enhances the care we provide to the patients and families we serve.”
Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet and Town Council also offered an official welcome to the newest members of the medical community.
“These talented physicians bring a tremendous amount of skill, compassion, and commitment to patient care,” said Bazinet. “We are incredibly grateful that they have chosen Goderich as the place to continue their medical careers. Their presence strengthens our healthcare system and supports the well-being of families throughout our community and region.”
The recruitment success reflects extensive cooperation among the Town of Goderich, AMGH, the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), and local healthcare partners. Their shared efforts have focused on attracting professionals with a strong interest in rural medicine and building long-term stability for local services.
“Ensuring residents have timely access to medical services is essential," Bazinet added. "These new additions to our medical teams are a welcome boost and a positive step forward for the future of healthcare in Goderich.”
“Gateway CERH is so excited to welcome the new doctors and looks forward to working with them in supporting our research to keep our rural residents healthy,” Gateway CERH President Gwen Deveraux said.
Among the physicians recognized were family doctors, emergency and hospitalist physicians, a general surgeon, and specialists in psychiatry and geriatric care. Their backgrounds span training programs across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia, with several noting previous connections to the region through residency placements or family ties.
The Town of Goderich extended its warm welcome to all nine physicians as they continue settling into their practices, with community leaders expressing confidence that their combined expertise will enhance access to care for residents across Huron County for years to come.
Dr. Matthew Gray joined AMGH this year from Burlington as a family physician. Dr. Grant Dawson has joined Emergency Department coverage and the family practice of Dr. Michael Dawson (his father) this year. Dr. Mohmeet Singh Brar joined AMGH this year as a family physician in the Emergency Department and hospitalist team. Dr. Jacinta Peel joined MVMC during the COVID-19 pandemic as a family physician. Dr. Brian Holowachuk is a family practitioner who moved to the area in 2024 and immediately started providing much-needed relief in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Jennifer Ford became the third general surgeon the AMGH team in 2023, having previously practiced in Washington State.
Dr. Peter Dixon joined the mental health team at AMGH in 2024 as a psychiatrist. Dr. Anne Rose is a community psychiatrist with expertise in addictions, while Dr. Michele Doering is a geriatric psychiatrist who joined AMGH full-time in September 2025.
