Algoma U opens downtown medical clinic

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

**************************** Algoma University medical clinic does a student body good

SAULT STE. MARIE - Algoma University will be opening a new medical clinic which will service all Algoma U students, staff, and faculty, and their families.

In addition, access to the clinic is being offered to key partners of the university, including the Ontario Forestry Research Institute (OFRI), the Great Lakes Forestry Centre (GLFC), Algoma Games for Health, and the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC).

The clinic will aim to serve 2,000 patients in new facilities at the Algoma University Downtown Student Centre.

Algoma University is pleased to introduce Dr. Brynlea Barbeau as resident physician.

The benefits of an onsite doctor are manifold for the University community.

It will provide the Algoma U community with full-time access to "a doctor, open clinics (e.g. drop in and flu shots), educational platforms, presentations, and orientation events. It improves our ability to keep students healthy," said Tom Mauro, director of student services.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for preventative care and health promotion.

The clinic is now open Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m.-12p.m.

Dr. Barbeau's expertise and availability will be especially helpful to the increasing number of out-of-town and international students at Algoma University, many of whom would not otherwise have local access to a family doctor.

"It's very important to us to ensure that our students, staff, and faculty have access to quality medical care," says Dr. Richard Myers, president of Algoma University. "Having Dr. Barbeau on board will make it easier to recruit both students and employees from out of town."

Dr. Barbeau completed her undergraduate medical education (MD) at McMaster University and graduated in 2002.

She completed her family medicine residency training in 2005 at NOFM (Northeastern Ontario Family Medicine Programme) in Sudbury.

Dr. Barbeau then worked briefly at the Group Health Centre before practising for the last four years in Bruce Mines.

For her part, Dr Barbeau is excited to be part of this project.

"I enjoy the energy of the students and the progressive and positive atmosphere of the academic setting," she says. "The University is growing in many new directions and I'm excited to be a part of it."

About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in psychology, computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic and social development, and biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton and Timmins.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

Algoma University has launched is Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.

To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.

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