Healthcare for the City of Estevan just got a little bit better, as a new member was added to the strength of medical professionals at the St. Joseph's Hospital.

Dr. Ahmad Sawwan is an obstetrician and gynecologist, and he's filling a position that has been sorely needed for awhile, according hospital CEO Greg Hoffart.

"Part of our effort to operate at our highest standard in the obstetrics ward is the ability to cover for the complicated deliveries, including c-sections. Dr. Sawwan is fully trained and certified, and he will be a welcome addition to team."

"We've been without the benefit of a specialist in this field for about 4 months now, and it's been a little bit of a trying time. Many high-risk deliveries have ended up going to Regina, so this addition brings the service closer to home," he noted.

Hoffart added that Dr. Sawwan is also able to take on other surgical procedures in addition to high risk birth events.

"It's our goal to provide as many services as close to home as possible. Obstetrics is certainly something that we've had a long and proud tradition with, so this position is essential to the operation of the that department and the function of our hospital."

"We recruited very diligently in this regard, and we're very pleased that he's joined the team," he expressed.

For his part, Sawwan said that he is very optimistic about his role, and plans to stay for a long time.

"When I first came, I noticed that all the people here are really nice. They were very motivated and polite. I've traveled a lot, and worked in a lot of places, and I definitely have a good opinion of this place."

"This is a medium science hospital, with a lot of potential. If you combine that with the motivated people who already work here, it's really to my benefit," he shared.

Dr. Sawwan also revealed that he plans to advance women's health, above and beyond obstetrics. 

"Our plan is to move on and have all the related services here in Estevan, which I believe will be a huge plus for women in general here in this city."

He shared what he hopes to accomplish in the future.

"It would make me extremely happy to retire in this place, then walk by and have a young couple point their finger at this old man and say, 'he delivered me', or, 'he dealt with me, he's a good guy'. That's success at the end of the day."

"I had other opportunities, but I was most impressed here. I do believe I made the right choice," he concluded.