Bancroft, Ontario – January 29, 2026 – Quinte Health and Hastings County are pleased to announce that Dr. Jean Rochelin will be joining the team at North Hastings Hospital as a full-time Emergency Department physician.

“This is an exciting moment for North Hastings Hospital,” said Dr. Colin MacPherson, Chief of Staff at Quinte Health. “The emergency department is supported by a remarkable team of physicians, nurses, and health care professionals who are deeply committed to caring for their community. Dr. Rochelin is joining a hospital where teamwork, professionalism, and pride in providing care close to home are strongly felt, and where the community itself plays an unwavering role in supporting local health care.” 

Dr. Rochelin is expected to begin practicing at North Hastings Hospital in April, relocating from the United States to join the Bancroft community.

“With the difficulty in recruiting emergency medicine physicians to work, especially in rural areas, signing Dr. Rochelin is a major win for the hospital in Bancroft and for everyone who depends on it,” stated Hastings County Warden Bob Mullin. “His arrival strengthens frontline care and helps to create stability for the emergency department and supports the dedicated health care professionals already serving there.” 

Dr. Rochelin brings more than 11 years of clinical experience practicing in the United States, with a strong background in emergency medicine. 

“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr. Rochelin to Quinte Health and to the North Hastings Hospital team,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “This hospital means a great deal to the people who live here and to those who visit the area. Knowing emergency care is available close to home brings peace of mind to families and the community. We’re grateful to Hastings County for their partnership and for the shared commitment to supporting care in North Hastings.” 

Dr. Rochelin’s recruitment was supported through Hastings County’s physician recruitment efforts, reflecting a shared commitment to improving access to high-quality emergency care close to home for residents of North Hastings.

Introductory message from Dr. Rochelin:

I grew up in Haiti, in a small coastal community where the sea was both a source of life and uncertainty.  As a child, I spent countless hours playing and swimming along the shoreline, watching fishing boats come in and families gather at sunset. 

One afternoon, I witnessed something that stayed with me: a neighbor who had fallen seriously ill was carried across the sand by relatives because there was no nearby clinic, no doctor, and no reliable way to reach medical care on time. I remember the helplessness in their faces, and the quiet acceptance that came with living in a place where access to healthcare was never guaranteed.

That moment stayed with me, and it shaped my decision to become a physician.

Growing up in a resource-limited setting taught me early on that health is deeply tied to geography, infrastructure, and social equity. In Haiti, I saw how people often delayed seeking care, not because they didn’t value health, but because care was simply not accessible. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of purpose to become a physician who serves communities where the need is greatest and where compassion and adaptability matter just as much as clinical expertise.

After completing my medical training and practicing in the United States for over 11 years, I gained valuable experience within a highly advanced healthcare system. However, I also became increasingly aware of its limitations particularly the heavy administrative burden, fragmented delivery, and barriers created by insurance-driven models. While I am grateful for the clinical exposure, training and experience I received, I found myself drawn toward a system that prioritizes equity, continuity of care, and community-based practice.

Canada represents that alignment for me.

The Canadian healthcare system’s commitment to universal access and its focus on serving rural, remote, and underserved populations strongly resonate with both my personal background and professional values.  In many ways, Canada’s remote communities reflect the environments that shaped me growing up where physicians must be resourceful, culturally aware, and deeply connected to the people they serve. These settings can be challenging but rewarding and can bring a higher sense of purpose in life and I see them as meaningful opportunities to make a real and lasting impact.

My journey as physician has always been guided by one purpose: to provide care where it matters most. I believe practicing medicine in Bancroft will allow me to honour that purpose while contributing to a healthcare system that aligns with my values, my experience, and my commitment to service.

More information:

Sarah McCurdy
Project Coordinator, Hastings County 
(613) 966-1311 ext. 3230
mccurdys@hastingscounty.com

Carly Baxter
Senior Communications Specialist, Quinte Health
(613) 969-7400 ext. 2677
cbaxter@quintehealth.ca