As P.E.I.’s only full-time blood cancer doctor retires, province looks to recruit 2 more [Video]

Prince Edward Islanders diagnosed with blood cancer could soon have to travel outside the province for treatment. 

P.E.I.’s only oncologist specifically trained in that field, Dr. Pierre Whitlock, is set to retire at the end of November. 

“He’s given us notice that sometime in the next few months he’s going to retire, which is good for him, not so good for Health P.E.I.,” said Dr. Richard Wedge, the province’s acting chief medical officer. 

“This is a particularly difficult position to recruit to. So it does leave us in a bit of a bind.”

P.E.I. has had only one full-time blood oncologist for several years. The province has been trying to recruit a second specialist for more than a year to help with the high demand, said Wedge.

So far, no luck. 

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