Cornwall Welcomes Six New Doctors to the Community

City’s recruitment efforts continue to strengthen local access to care and land new doctors to the Area

Cornwall is celebrating the arrival of six new physicians who have chosen to make our community home, thanks to the City’s Medical Recruitment Programs and the regional Great River, Great Future initiative.

Family physicians Dr. Stephanie Amorosa, Dr. Chloé Rozon, and Dr. Zheng Wen Zhang, along with psychiatrist Dr. Nadina Abdullayeva, have all relocated to Cornwall through the City’s Medical Relocation Program. The program provides support for licensed physicians who move here to establish their practices.

Two more familiar names are also joining the local healthcare landscape. Dr. Karen Poirier and Dr. Jared McDonald, recipients of the Cornwall Medical Scholarship in 2021 and 2022, have now completed their studies and begun practicing full-time family medicine with the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre.

Mayor Justin Towndale says these arrivals reflect the City’s continued commitment to addressing the community’s need for primary and specialized care.

“The recruiting and attraction of these six physicians to the City of Cornwall is a testament to the work that we have done as part of our medical recruitment strategies,” said Mayor 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.”

Supported by the Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Recruitment, the City’s Economic Development Department has been expanding its reach, partnering with local health organizations and attending recruitment events across Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

Residents who are currently without a family doctor are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect, the official provincial registry for patients seeking a physician. Registration is available online or by phone at 1-800-445-1822.

Meet Cornwall’s New Physicians

• Dr. Stephanie Amorosa – A family physician who recently relocated from the United States. She is now practicing with the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre.
• Dr. Nadina Abdullayeva – A psychiatrist from the Ottawa area who has joined Cornwall Community Hospital’s Community Addiction & Mental Health Services team.
• Dr. Chloé Rozon – A Cornwall native returning after more than a decade away. She has begun practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist at the McConnell Medical Centre and Cornwall Community Hospital.
• Dr. Zheng Wen Zhang – A family physician moving from Montreal to establish his practice at the McConnell Medical Centre.
• Dr. Karen Poirier – Recipient of the 2021 Cornwall Medical Scholarship. She is now practicing family medicine with the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre.
• Dr. Jared McDonald – Recipient of the 2022 Cornwall Medical Scholarship. He is also now practicing family medicine with the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre.

About the City’s Recruitment Initiatives

Medical Relocation Program

Cornwall’s long-standing relocation program offers physicians up to $25,000 when they commit to practicing in the community for a minimum of three years.

Medical Scholarship Program

Each scholarship provides $150,000 to a Cornwall resident pursuing family medicine, in exchange for a five-year commitment to practice locally upon completing their studies.

Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Recruitment

Formed by Mayor Towndale to better understand barriers to physician recruitment, the Task Force met with local partners and produced a final report that was endorsed by City Council. Work is ongoing to implement its recommendations.

Great River, Great Future Campaign

This regional recruitment effort unites partners across Cornwall, SDG, Akwesasne, and Russell. Together, they promote healthcare opportunities, support new providers, and help ensure strong, lasting access to care within the community.
Learn more at www.GROHT.ca/careers/.