by Susan Hanna
Dr. Karen Turcotte has started a family practice in Almonte as part of the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT).
Dr. Turcotte joined the OVFHT on September 3, 2013.
“I had been working in Almonte and Renfrew in their hospitals’ emergency departments and doing locum coverage,” said Dr. Turcotte. “I knew I would start a family practice at some point, and now is the time.”
Dr. Turcotte grew up in Nepean and attended medical school at the University of Toronto. She completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Ottawa in 2011, and began working in Almonte and Renfrew.
During her residency, Dr. Turcotte did a rotation with Almonte family physician Dr. Graeme McKillop.
“I fell in love with the community,” she said. “Almonte is so friendly and the staff and patients are awesome.”
Dr. Turcotte was also attracted to Almonte because of the Family Health Team model and its co-location with Almonte General Hospital (AGH).
“One of the appeals was the comprehensive model,” she said. “I can see patients in the ER, admit them to hospital if required and follow up in the clinic. Having everything under one roof is more efficient.”
Dr. Turcotte is taking new patients, and is also providing care for about 300 patients of Dr. Frank Murphy, who retired in August.
If you are interested in becoming a patient of the OVFHT, please contact Health Care Connect and specify that you are interested in joining the OVFHT. Visit the Health Care Connect website at www.health.gov.on.ca and click on “Need a doctor?” You may also call 1-800-445-1822.
Dr. Turcotte, who lives in the Carp/March Road area, is an avid athlete who plays hockey and soccer. “Everyone has given me such a warm welcome,” she said. “The start-up of my practice has gone more smoothly than I would have thought possible.”
