SUMMERSIDE – The addition of Dr. Robert McKay to the province’s surgical staff will help improve services for patients across the province, says Health Minister Doug Currie.
“Our government’s top priority is to provide quality health care services for the people of Prince Edward Island, and one of the best ways we can accomplish this is through the recruitment of well-trained and talented health care professionals,” said Currie. “Dr. McKay brings a wealth of knowledge and a specialized skill set that will help create a coordinated and integrated service for Islanders.”
McKay is from New Brunswick and received his Doctor of Medicine from Memorial University in St. John's Newfoundland. After an internship through Dalhousie University, he served as a military physician and diving medical officer for three years before taking a position as a surgical resident with the University of Ottawa. While there, he received his diploma in general surgery.
McKay, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and Board certified by the American Board of Surgery, has over 20 years of general surgery experience with expertise in colon and rectal surgery, advanced hernia repairs, surgical oncology, and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
“The decision to move to Prince Edward Island truly feels like coming home. Both my wife and I are from Atlantic Canada, and now that our children are grown, we realized we wanted to come back to the region where we have family and friends,” said McKay.
Recently, Dr. McKay has been providing locum support at both the Prince County Hospital (PCH) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). He is eager to start working at the Prince County Hospital full time.
“Prince County Hospital is a great hospital, well maintained with great appeal. The people are kind and accommodating, and the patients are appreciative and understanding which is refreshing,” said McKay. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to the community and working with my fellow physicians to provide Islanders with quality services in a collaborative team environment.”
“We are looking forward to having Dr. McKay start working with us,” said Medical Director of Prince County Hospital, Dr. Wassim Salamoun. “This should greatly help reduce the backlog of consultations and procedures and allow a more timely access to surgical services.”
McKay begins full-time at the PCH on March 4 and will also help with the provision of on-call services at the QEH.
“The Province of Prince Edward Island understands the importance of attracting highly skilled health care professionals and offers competitive incentives for our professionals,” said Currie. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. McKay to our province.”
