Dr. Brenda Martin officially started her clinical practice at the Port Carling Health Hub on Jan. 26, marking a key milestone in the expansion of primary care services in Muskoka Lakes.
Dr. Martin said she aims to lower patient wait times in Muskoka Lakes while ensuring that new residents and their families have the medical support they need as they settle into the region.
“Some people have been waiting for a very long time, for a number of years. I’ve had people that have come in who have not had a family doctor for up to 10 years,” she said.
Dr. Martin said that, along with developing a roster of year-round residents, she is also looking forward to caring for those who are seasonal residents in the area.
“I like to think that the wait list in this area will be profoundly impacted,” said Dr. Martin.
Dr. Martin said there is no set limit on new patients at this stage as the practice is being built to reflect local demand, with a primary focus on transitioning residents off the waitlist and into consistent care.
“A lot of the people on the wait list have complex needs that perhaps do need to be addressed urgently, but if it makes up a disproportionate part of our practice, then it wouldn’t be a sustainable practice moving forward,” said Dr. Martin.
As the practice grows, Dr. Martin emphasized the importance of building a balanced model that serves the community’s diverse needs. Her goal is to ensure the clinic remains both busy and highly responsive to patients, creating a sustainable healthcare resource for the long term.
While Dr. Martin began conducting patient ‘meet and greets’ in September, she said her clinical practice was delayed by technical issues and equipment delivery setbacks.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes will host a welcoming event on Feb. 6 at the Port Carling Community Health Hub to celebrate the establishment of Dr. Martin’s practice in the region.
Patients with a valid Ontario health card can schedule clinical appointments by calling the office at 705-765-3030. For more information, click here.
