POTSDAM -- As Dr. Zeeba Siddiqi leaves her internal medicine practice at the PrimeCare primary health center, she is emphasizing her legacy of preventive care, and her love for the community.

“I’ve really enjoyed caring for patients in the region because they are very interested in learning all they can about their health,” said Siddiqi. “I’ll miss my patients, but I know North Country people are resilient, and I know Canton-Potsdam Hospital will continue its focus on bringing the best primary care to the region,” she said in a recent interview. Siddiqi will leave the practice in December. She joined the hospital’s medical staff in 2006.

“One of the things I loved best about building a practice was the chance to interact with North Country people,” said Siddiqi. “We have many health challenges here in the region, but I have been impressed with the strong family ties that exist here, and the way in which people support one another. I thank my patients for being there for me and praying for my family in my time of need,” said the physician, referring to an accident in which her daughter was injured. “Unfortunately, for my own personal reasons, I can’t stay, but I’ve enjoyed my patients and will miss my colleagues on the medical staff,” she said. “My special thanks to hospital colleagues and staff, and in particular the staff of PrimeCare for working together as a team in keeping patients’ health a top priority,” she said. “My practice has focused on preventative care, and I would advise patients to continue to pursue a healthy lifestyle as a preventative measure,” she added.

“Having excellent physicians on our staff is one key to recruiting additional physicians,” said George Mina, Jr., Director of Physician Practice Management at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. “The suitability of our region to the needs of a physician and his or her family is another ingredient. We’re part of a federally designated physician shortage area, so it’s an ongoing challenge for all hospitals in our region to recruit and retain physicians,” he said. “Dr. Siddiqi will be missed.”

Nurse Practitioner Wendy Wais will continue at the PrimeCare center. “Ms. Wais will provide the same high level of care my patients have come to expect,” said Siddiqi.

For an appointment, patients should call 265-0745.