Acton lands experienced doctor

Acton's newest family physician is Dr. Dhanya Jayalath who moved to Canada from Sri Lanka in 2001 after spending 15 years as a doctor in that country.

Acton's newest family doctor has 15 years of experience behind her. Dr. Dhanya Jayalath, who completed her two-year residency in family medicine at London's Western University in July, moved to Canada from Sri Lanka in 2001 and has 15 years of experience as a doctor in that country.

She began working at the Acton Medical Clinic on Sept. 12 and is enjoying her new job. She is currently accepting new patients. After obtaining her medical degree at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Medicine, Jayalath worked as a doctor for the Ministry of Health, Sri Lankan Air Force and with Sri Lankan Airlines.

When asked why she decided to make the move to Canada she said, "the security situation in the country (Sri Lanka), and I thought it would be good for my children." With the new job in Acton, Jayalath and her husband, and two of their three children, have moved to Acton. She said she became interested in practising in Halton through Halton Region's physician recruitment program when a region representative visited Western University. "My very first visit was to the Acton Medical Centre. I felt that this was the place for me." "We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Jayalath to our community," said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. "The collaborative efforts of Halton Region and the Halton Hills Physician Recruitment Committee have paid off once again. I couldn't be more pleased for the residents of Acton." Regional Chair Joyce Savoline was also pleased Jayalath decided to come to Acton. "We were thrilled last February when Dr. Jayalath announced her plans to come to Acton. Physician recruitment and retention has been a very high priority over the last four years for Halton Region and our community partners because we know how critical it is that all residents have access to quality medical care." Jayalath said she enjoys living and working in a small town, and being a family doctor. "I like the variety. I like to deal with people," she said. She said one of the differences she has noticed practising medicine here compared to

Sri Lanka is that she now sees more senior citizen patients, which she believes is due to the difference in life expectancy in the two countries. "I'm happy to see people of all ages," said Jayalath. Dr. Jayalath has hospital privileges at Georgetown Hospital. She can be reached at 519-853-4449.