31-07-2025
Timmins and District Hospital welcomes 3 new physicians
An undated photo of the exterior of the Timmins and District Hospital. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) has added three new physicians to its team this month, marking significant progress in its ongoing recruitment efforts. Dr. Devon Aitken, Dr. Sebastian Diebel and Dr. Michael Schmidt have joined the hospital, bringing specialized skills to serve the region's patients.
A boost for patient care and the community
Kate Fyfe, President and CEO of TADH, emphasized the impact of the new hires.
'We are pleased to welcome these skilled physicians to our hospital team and our community,' she said in a news release Thursday. 'The expertise they bring will make a difference in the lives of our patients at TADH and across all the communities we serve.'
The hospital's recruitment campaign, supported by the Timmins Physician and Recruitment Retention Committee, is on track to meet its goal of hiring 10 new physicians in 2025. So far, five physicians – including two specialists, a radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon – have been recruited in the first half of the year.
Kate Fyfe
An undated promotional photo of Kate Fyfe, president and CEO of Timmins and District Hospital. (File photo/Health Sciences North)
New doctors bring diverse expertise
Dr. Michael Schmidt, a radiologist with training from McMaster University and McGill University, has already been working at TADH through visiting locums. He praised the hospital's collaborative environment.
Kate Fyfe, Dr. Doug Arnold, Dr. Michael Schmidt, Dr. Paul Schulte
(From left to right) Timmins and District Hospital President and CEO Kate Fyfe, chief of staff Dr. Doug Arnold, Dr. Michael Schmidt and Dr. Paul Schulte. (Supplied/Timmins and District Hospital)
'I enjoy the broad scope of work and the people working at TADH are so kind, welcoming, and helpful,' he said.
As an outdoor enthusiast, Dr. Schmidt said he looks forward to embracing Timmins' recreational opportunities.
Dr. Devon Aitken, a Timmins native, returns after completing her medical degree and Family Medicine residency at the University of Toronto. She cited the hospital's supportive culture as a key factor in her decision.
Dr. Devon Aitken and Dr. Arnold
Timmins and District Hospital's chief of staff Dr. Doug Arnold (left) welcomes Dr. Devon Aitken to the hospital. (Supplied/Timmins and District Hospital)
'TADH has a very supportive culture from physicians to nurses and other allied health and administration – something I'm very appreciative of, especially being a new doctor,' she said.
Dr. Sebastian Diebel, who previously trained in the region through the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, returns to TADH as a hospitalist and emergency department physician. His connection to the area deepened through his wife, a physician at the hospital and their shared appreciation for the community. Dr. Sebastian also did his family residency placement at the hospital.
Dr. Sebastian Deibel with Dr. Kyle Harper
Dr. Kyle Harper (left) welcomes Dr. Sebastian Deibel to Timmins and District Hospital. (Supplied/Timmins and District Hospital)
'We love Timmins,' said Dr. Diebel, highlighting the convenience of outdoor activities and a short commute.
Continued recruitment efforts
Corey Krupa, TADH's physician recruiter, expressed optimism about the hospital's progress.
Corey Krupa
An undated profile photo of Timmins and District Hospital's physician recruiter Corey Krupa. (File photo/LinkedIn)
'The progress made to enhance our physician complement recently is a testament to the work the community has done to support our efforts in recruitment,' Krupa said in the release. 'This year, we have already surpassed our annual average. We are proud of the progress made thus far and are looking forward to continuing to welcome new physicians to our beautiful northern community.'
TADH serves a vast catchment area in northern Ontario and hospital officials emphasize that they remain focused on attracting skilled healthcare professionals to meet the region's and community's growing needs.
