In 2020, Hospitals of Regina Foundation launched a Fellowship Funding Program to help with Regina’s significant deficit in medical specialists.  Doctors with an interest in a particular specialized area may apply for a Foundation fellowship to help with their specialty training.  In 2021, the Foundation agreed to fund the Child Psychiatry Fellowship for Dr. Kristen Edwards, a trained psychiatrist with an interest in specializing in children’s mental health. 

As one of the 2021 recipients of the our Fellowship Program and one of two Child Psychiatrists supported by the Foundation, Dr. Edwards feels a special sense of pride in completing her Child Psychiatry Residency and being able to practice within the community she calls home. Born and raised in Regina, Dr. Edwards enjoys being able to relate to her patients, and connect over common experiences they’ve both had while living here. Without the support of our donors for the Fellowship Program, this may not have been possible.
Dr. Edwards is one of eight Child Psychiatrists currently practicing in Regina. With a nationwide shortage of specialists in this area, her services could not have come at a better time. Healthcare systems are seeing increased wait times for patients and increased workloads for specialists, and Dr. Edwards and her colleagues are hoping to change that.

“With the increase of public awareness of the importance of mental health, we’re also seeing an increase in demand for psychiatric services. Support from Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s Fellowship Program really helps doctors like myself complete specialized training, and in turn, start practicing and helping our community.” Dr. Edwards explains. “Helping more doctors complete specialized training is an investment in local health care that really benefits the community and helps make sure specialists are available to those who need it, as close to home as possible.”

With the addition of Dr. Edwards to Regina’s complement of child psychiatrists, the team is already seeing the tangible benefits of having additional specialists available.

“We are now seeing the shortest wait times for kids to receive the crucial psychiatry care they need. Investing in local health care and specialists absolutely makes a difference, and we see that every day.” Dr. Edwards tell us. “Without the support of donors and the community, none of this would be possible. To everyone who supports the Foundation’s Fellowship Program, I truly THANK YOU.”

“Dr. Edwards’s story highlights the importance of supporting and retaining these healthcare specialists within our southern Saskatchewan community.” says Lisa Green, senior vice-president, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “Our donors’ support enabled the Foundation to create the Fellowship Program which allows us to support and retain medical specialists so they can provide our community with the care they deserve, right here at home.”