Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 12/02) - For the first time in two years the NWT has a second internal medicine specialist and negotiations are ongoing to fill a third vacancy.

Dr. John Morse, Stanton's Territorial Hospital's medical director, has been the only internal medicine specialist (GIM) in the NWT since 2000, but will now be assisted by Dr. Amy Hendricks.

Hendricks, 30, is currently completing her training at McGill University in Montreal. She will begin practising at Stanton on July 22.

Stanton heard about Hendricks during a job fair in Montreal that was attended by members of Stanton's recruitment team, according to Morse.

"She came up with some interest in the North ... it was sort of fortuitous that we had people there," he said.

Hendricks had completed some of her training at a health centre in northern Quebec, said Morse, and she wished to work in another northern community.

Lucky break

As luck would have it, Stanton recruiters were actively seeking a GIM. They spoke with Hendricks and she agreed to come to Yellowknife for a visit.

"She liked it and we signed her up," said Morse.

"She is well-trained to do the type of work we have here and I'm looking forward to working with her."

Hendricks has eight years of training at McGill, including an undergraduate medical degree and specialized training in internal medicine.

An internal medicine specialist treats patients with "problems in diagnosis," according to Morse.

"We then will review the information, do any further testing necessary and then come to a diagnosis.

"And then, treatment-wise, we're involved with treatment with medicines as opposed to surgery -- so we're non-surgical specialists," he said.

Stanton's budget allows for employment of three GIMs.

"So we're going to be two-thirds of the way there when she arrives," said Morse.

The addition of Hendricks to Stanton's staff will provide more advice and treatment for patients. There will be an extra GIM available for after-hours treatment, not to mention alleviating Morse's heavy patient load.

"Instead of juggling 12 balls I'll probably only have six, so that's a good thing," he said.

Morse said Stanton is still looking for a third GIM and may even one, said Morse.

"But it's too early for me to confirm that. It's preliminary, but we have a good prospect.

"That will be even better because the territory has never had three resident internists," said Morse.

Dennis Cleaver, executive director of Stanton Territorial health board, said the board is delighted that Hendricks will be joining the Stanton team.

"Her skills will be important in our internal medicine program here. She will be providing a lot of service to all the residents of the Northwest Territories," he said.