A southwest Physician has been selected to help lead the amalgamation process for physicians around the province.

Dr. Kevin Wasko, of the Associate Family Physicians Clinic in Swift Current was selected to co-lead on the aspects that will affect how physicians will practice and function in the approaching new Provincial Health Authority.

Wasko, alongside Dr. Bruce Murray of North Battleford, will be leading the areas of bylaws, clinical and operational governance, the academic mandate, and involving physicians across the province in all aspects of transition work.

The Swift Current-based Physician, who serves as President of the Cypress Regional Medical Association and is on several committees within the Saskatchewan Medical Association, says an opportunity like this is one that doesn't come around very often.

"I'm excited to take on this role - it's also a very big responsibility so it's a pretty daunting one. I think that there's a very impressive team of people on the transition team; CEOs and Vice Presidents from across the province, who all bring a different background and skillset to the team. I think that Dr. Murray and myself will be well supported," he said.

Wasko will split the role with Murray, each dedicating 2.5 days per week. He will continue to practice in Swift Current on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Associate Family Physicians Clinic. The doctor will continue to manage his patients with the assistance of physicians at the clinic during this process.

The announcement was made last week, with Dr. Wasko and Murray expected to start the process in early April.

The amalgamation of the current 12 health regions into the single Provincial Health Authority is scheduled to take effect in the fall of 2017.