The Town of Wadena is welcoming a new family doctor.

Dr. Auday Rahoum is now practicing in the town after graduating from the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment program.

Since 2011, the program has helped bring nearly 200 new family physicians to communities across the province.

"We are very pleased to be one of the organizations working in partnership with other organizations and community members to help increase the stability of health resources in our communities," noted Jackie McKee, Phyisican Recruiter for the Saskatoon Health Region.

"The SIPPA program has been a vital tool for us and we are looking very forward to welcoming Dr. Rahoum and his family to Wadena."

Overall, 13 new graduates of the program are expected to be practicing in the province by spring.