Clinic News

Dec 16, 2024 Clinic News

Dr. Paula Schwann Retirement Announcement

To My Valued Patients,

As many of you know, I’ve been planning my retirement and succession for some time now. Given the ongoing shortage of family physicians across the province and the country, I’ve long been concerned about what would happen to my patients when I eventually step away. To ensure a smooth transition, I’ve delayed my retirement over the past year, prioritizing your care and making sure you are well – supported after my departure.

Although my retirement is now formally scheduled for August 31, 2025, I wanted to share my plans with you as early as possible to help alleviate any anxiety you might have about your continuing medical care. I’m now very pleased to announce that a solid succession plan is now in place for the future of my practice.

Dr. Ava McDonald

Dr. Ava McDonald has been with us for the past two years, and has already assumed primary family physician responsibility for many of you. Dr. McDonald has a special interest in Obstetrics and Women’s Health, and she performs musculoskeletal injections. We project that she will have about half of my current patient load, ensuring continuity of care for many of you.

Welcoming Dr. Shannon Haughian

I am also delighted to announce that Dr. Shannon Haughian will be taking over the other half of my practice once I retire. Dr. Haughian is not only a talented physician, but she also holds a special place in my heart—she has been one of my own patients since the day I had the privilege of delivering her. It’s truly a full-circle moment for both of us, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that she will be stepping into my role.

Dr. Haughian will begin her transition training with me in February 2025 and will work closely with me until the end of June 2025. This will allow her to meet many of you before I retire. She will take over full responsibility for patient care in July 2025 while I am away on vacation. Dr. Haughian will then be away for the month of August to get married. During this time, I will return from August 11 to August 31, 2025, to assist with the transition before my final retirement.

Dr. Haughian, a Saskatoon native, shares my passion for Obstetrics and Women’s Health. Her partner is also an established professional in the city, and they are both committed to building a life and practice here.

Transition Details

Neither Dr. McDonald nor Dr. Haughian will be accepting new patients until they have fully established their practices and capacity following the transition.
I am incredibly fortunate to leave my practice in the capable hands of two such skilled and compassionate female physicians, and I am confident that you will be in excellent care with them.

Please note that I will not be scheduled for complete check ups after June 30, but will be seeing patients full-time for regular visits until the end of August 2025.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As I still have some time before my retirement, I look forward to seeing many of you in the office before my final departure.

I want to express my profound gratitude for providing me with the wonderful, fulfilling career I have had in Family Medicine. I consider my patients my extended family and care deeply about your welfare. You have permitted me into your lives and allowed me to accompany you during some of you happiest, saddest and most challenging times. It has been my honour and privilege to be there in my capacity as your family doctor. I have so many marvelous memories that medicine has provided me with. None more so than watching the babies that I have delivered over the years grow up and being there to bear witness to their evolution into adulthood and observe where their lives take them.

Yours sincerely,

Paula Schwann, MD, CCFP, FCFP