Southern Health-Santé Sud has a new Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. Michael Rutledge took over the post from retiring Dr. Shelly Buchan earlier this week (October 3).

After working mostly in the Winnipeg area, Rutledge says he looks forward to continue his career in a rural setting.

"I'm phenomenally excited about the team and the staff I've met," Rutledge says. "Everybody is absolutely excellent and throughout my career, I've heard nothing but fantastic things and seen fantastic work from this region."

Rutledge says Southern Health is on the cusp of a major shift. He notes healthcare is moving from a reactionary tool, to proactively preventing sickness and injury.

"As a family physician for many years I felt frustrated, that I was seeing patients that had conditions I just felt we could've done something before this," he says.

The creation of Primary Care Teams looks at the health issues facing a community, starting to analyze patterns of disease and illness.

This year, Southern Health launched a number of Primary Care Teams, a group of physicians, dietitians and practitioners that look for gaps and needs in their areas. Teams also assess recreational opportunities like walking paths and outdoor gyms.

He notes there are economic benefits as well to making it easier for people to stay healthy.

"We're going to see more of that, we're gonna see the healthcare system more proactive in addressing these kinds of things," Rutledge says, adding the Southern Health leadership has been supportive of making that shift.