* New physicians join Rouge Valley

Rouge Valley Health System
News Release

Oct. 20, 2009  - The latest physicians to join the Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) medical team will help to continue the hospital's commitment to quality patient care in its communities.

“We are pleased with the addition of Dr. Mohamed Abounaja and Dr. Allan Eckhaus to our medical team. As our patient communities in east Toronto and west Durham region continue to expand and develop, so will our hospital. We look forward to their contribution to our patient community,” says Dr. Naresh Mohan, chief of staff.

NEW PHYSICIAN JOINS EMERGENCY

Emergency physician Dr. Mohamed Abounaja, who began at RVHS earlier this spring, is seeing patients at the emergency departments at Rouge Valley's two hospital campuses; Rouge Valley Centenary (RVC) in east Toronto, and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering (RVAP) in west Durham Region. He enjoys the variety of patients often seen in the emergency department.

“Emergency medicine is fascinating, as you never know what kind of patient will come through the door. For many patients without a family physician, an emergency physician or nurse is the healthcare professional that they will see when they have a health concern. I am delighted to help address their concerns, and to be a member of the emergency department at Rouge Valley,” says Dr. Abounaja.

Later this fall, Dr. Abounaja will begin seeing patients at RVAP's newly-expanded emergency department. Construction will provide space for the anticipated 60,000 patient visits a year. Currently, staff and physicians care for 42,000-plus patients a year in a space designed for 20,000. When complete, the entire redevelopment project will mean about 140,000 square feet of new and renovated space for services. The redevelopment project at RVAP is a great start on addressing current needs of the community.

Dr. Abounaja, who is originally from Libya, came to Canada in 2002 and speaks Arabic fluently. Before joining Rouge Valley, Dr. Abounaja spent three years in Newfoundland working at a number of local health care facilities. Most recently, he was a general practitioner at the Black Marsh Family Care Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland. He was also an emergency room officer at the Health Science Centre; St. Clair's Hospital; Cabonear General Hospital; Gander General Hospital in St. John's; and the Western Region Health Authority in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland. 

Dr. Abounaja earned his bachelor's degree in medicine and general surgery at Al Fateh University in Libya. He is a married father of one young daughter. His wife, who was a dentist in Libya, hopes to open a practice in Canada.

PLASTIC SURGEON JOINS RVAP

Plastic surgeon Dr. Allan Eckhaus recently began seeing patients at RVAP. The surgeon, who treats both adult and paediatric patients, sees a variety of different patients, from traumas in the emergency department, skin cancers, carpal tunnel, to breast reconstruction patients. Although he is based at RVAP, he sees some patients at RVC every second Monday at the minor surgery clinic. 

“I have been impressed with the community here. There is a great mix of people who are new to the area and others who have lived here their whole lives. There is a real sense of pride in this community,” says Dr. Eckhaus.

Dr. Eckhaus has expertise and clinical interest in breast reconstruction, particularly for women who have had mastectomies. “Many patients are unaware that breast reconstruction is available after they have had a mastectomy and that it is covered by OHIP,” he says.

Dr. Eckhaus studied microbiology and immunology at McGill University, and his medical degree from the University of Toronto. He completed his residency in plastic surgery through the University of Toronto, and his fellowship at the Linley Clinic in Australia.  He has also earned a master's of science degree through the University of Toronto's Institute of Medical Surgeon Scientist program, and Clinician Investigator program. Prior to joining RVHS, he had staff privileges at St. Joseph's Health Centre; St. Michael's; Humber River; and Toronto East General Hospital. 

Dr. Eckhaus is married with two young sons, and lives in Toronto.

- Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) - The best at what we do. -

RVHS is an excellent acute care community hospital with many programs, including 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care and mental health. Rouge Valley consists of several health sites, including two community hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary in east Toronto; and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering in west Durham. Together, a team of physicians (224 general practitioners and 325 specialists), 1,000 nurses and many other professionals care for a broad spectrum of health conditions. Working in consultation and partnership with community members, other hospitals, health care organizations, the Central East Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Rouge Valley continues to improve its programs and cater to the needs of the growing communities of east Toronto, Ajax, Pickering and Whitby.

Contact

David Brazeau

Director

Public Affairs and Community Relations

Rouge Valley Health System

(647) 294-8885

dbrazeau@rougevalley.ca