Cornwall Welcomes New Doctors Through Medical Recruitment Programs
December 4, 2025Cornwall Ontario – The City of Cornwall is pleased to welcome six new physicians to the community as part of the municipality’s Medical Recruitment Programs and Great River, Great Future recruitment campaign.
Dr. Stephanie Amorosa, Dr. Nadina Abdullayeva, Dr. Chloé Rozon, and Dr. Zheng Wen Zhang recently took advantage of the City’s Medical Relocation Program, which supports licensed physicians who want to relocate to Cornwall and establish their practice.
Dr. Karen Poirier and Dr. Jared McDonald were awarded the Cornwall Medical Scholarship in 2021 and 2022 respectfully, and both started practicing family medicine full-time with Seaway Valley Community Health Centre this fall.
“The recruiting and attraction of these six physicians to Cornwall is a testament to the work that we have done as a part of our medical recruitment strategies”, said Mayor Justin Towndale. “On behalf of the City of Cornwall, I would like to welcome Drs. Amorosa, Abdullayeva, Rozon, Zhang, Poirier and McDonald to our community and thank them for Choosing Cornwall.”
Aided by the Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Recruitment, the City’s Economic Development Department has continued to grow its medical recruitment efforts through strategic partnerships and a new targeted recruitment campaign. Over the last few months, representatives from the City, local health institutions, and the family health organizations have attended recruitment events in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
Anyone looking for a family physician should register online or over the phone at 1-800-445-1822 with Health Care Connect. Health Care Connect is the official registry for physicians and health care centers who are accepting new patients.
More About Our New Physicians
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- Dr. Stephanie Amorosa is a family physician who recently relocated from the United States and is now working with Seaway Valley Community Health Centre,
- Dr. Nadina Abdullayeva is a psychiatrist from the Ottawa area and is now working with Cornwall Community Hospital with their Community Addiction & Mental Health Services,
- Dr. Chloé Rozon is originally from Cornwall and after being away for over a decade, has returned to practice as an obstetrician and gynecologist at the McConnell Medical Centre and with the Cornwall Community Hospital,
- Dr. Zheng Wen Zhang is a family physician who is relocating from Montreal to start his practice at the McConnell Medical Centre,
- Dr. Karen Poirier was the 2021 scholarship recipient and after completing her studies is now working with Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, and
- Dr. Jared McDonald was the 2022 scholarship recipient and after completing his studies is now working with Seaway Valley Community Health Centre.
About the Medical Relocation Program
The City of Cornwall has a long-standing medical relocation program. As approved by City Council, each physician is offered up to $25,000 in exchange for agreeing to practice in Cornwall for a minimum of 3 years.
About the Medical Scholarship Program
The City of Cornwall medical scholarship award provides $150,000 to a Cornwall resident perusing family medicine, so long as they agree to practice in the community for a minimum of 5 years after completing their studies.
About the Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Recruitment
Mayor Justin Towndale established the Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Recruitment to get a better understanding of the challenges in attracting much-needed physicians to the area. After several meetings with local interest holders, the Task Force presented a final report which was well received and endorsed by City Council. Work continues on implementing the Task Force recommendations.
The Great River, Great Future Campaign
The Great River, Great Future recruitment campaign brings together partners across Cornwall, SDG, Akwesasne, and Russell to attract and support healthcare professionals who want to build a career in our region. Through a coordinated and community-driven approach, partners promote opportunities and improve the welcome experience for healthcare professionals and ensure strong access to care for years to come in the community.