Blanche River Health (BRH) and the Kirkland and District Family Health Team (KDFHT) are proud to announce that Dr. Farra will officially joins their medical teams, as a hospitalist at the Kirkland Lake and Englehart hospitals while also serving as a family physician at KDFHT. Dr. Farra’s arrival marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare access for the region.

Dr. Farra joins BRH through Practice Ready Ontario (PRO), bringing a wealth of expertise in patient-centred care and a dedication to rural health. His presence will enhance the capacity of BRH and KDFHT to deliver high-quality care and reduce gaps in access for patients in our communities.

The Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee (PRRC) played a vital role in bringing Dr. Farra to the area. The committee’s extensive efforts, led by Co-Chairs Jorge VanSlyke (BRH President and Chief Executive Officer and BRHF Secretary) and Mandy Weeden (Executive Director at the KDFHT), have been instrumental in ensuring our communities receive the medical support they need.

“Welcoming Dr. Farra is a proud moment for BRH and our entire community,” said VanSlyke. “This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of our team and PRRC and the commitment of local stakeholders to improving healthcare access for our region.”

France Benoit, BRH Physician Recruiter, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Dr. Farra’s arrival is the result of coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, showcasing the strength of our community partnerships in attracting top medical talent to serve our region,” she said.

Weeden highlighted the broader benefits of recruiting new physicians. “Dr. Farra’s addition not only improves access to primary care but will also help alleviate some of the pressure on our emergency departments by ensuring more patients have consistent, timely access to family physicians,” she said. “This is a crucial step toward reducing wait times and enhancing care for all.”

Patients seeking to join Dr. Farra’s family practice roster must register through Ontario Health Care Connect, either online at ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner or by calling 811. As always, this is the official and only way to be added to a physician's roster. Hospitals and family health teams are not able to directly register patients.

BRH and KDFHT extend a warm welcome to Dr. Farra and look forward to the positive impact his presence will have on our hospitals and communities.

About Blanche River Health

Blanche River Health (BRH) is a 69-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (21 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. 

BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel. 

Please direct media inquiries to Communications and Public Relations: 1-866-274-7774 ext. 2144 | communications@blancheriverhealth.ca

Pictured: Team members from Blanche River Health (BRH), the Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF), the Kirkland and District Family Health Team (KDFHT), and the Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee (PRRC) pose for a photo while celebrating the arrival of our community’s newest physician, Dr. Farra.

Left to right: Tara Thomas (BRH Manager, Accounting), Samantha Saudino (BRH Vice President, Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Office & PRRC member), Sherry L'Heureux (BRH Manager, Patient Care Services), Chester Jobson (BRH Board Chair), France Benoit (BRH Medical Affairs/Physician Recruitment Coordinator & PRRC member), Dr. Farra, Mandy Weeden (KDFHT Executive Director & PRRC Co-Chair), Jorge VanSlyke (BRH President and Chief Executive Officer, BRHF Secretary and PRRC Co-Chair), Mitch Moreau (BRH Board Director and BRHF Board Director), Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director & PRRC member), Carrie Bodick (KDFHT), Emma Archer (Kirkland and District Community Development Corporation Community Economic Development Officer & PRRC member), Jennifer Boudreault (BRH Manager, Health Information), and Marcel Boisvenue (BRH Manager, Information Technology)