MONTAGUE — In the wake of Dr. Patricia Iverson’s retirement earlier this month, the Health Department is seeking a new medical director so that the town may continue to administer vaccines.
Health Director Daniel Wasiuk recounted that around two weeks ago, Iverson informed Town Nurse Cheryl Volpe that she planned to retire this month. Wasiuk and the Board of Health convened last week to discuss finding a replacement.
The first step, board members decided, is to seek doctors or nurse practitioners from Baystate Health. Should they need to extend their search, board members will consider potential candidates from within local schools.
The Health Department’s sense of urgency is bolstered by the fact that Montague won’t be able to administer vaccines for as long as the town is without a medical director. Volpe explained that while she, as town nurse, can order vaccines, a medical director is charged with “overseeing the required federal and state storage and handling” process, as well as giving necessary “standing orders” for vaccine distribution.
Wasiuk expects the search process will likely be drawn-out, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a deterrent for those who otherwise might be interested in the position.
“In this day and age, I feel like doctors are a little reluctant toward doing this,” Wasiuk said.
Still, he is “optimistic that (Montague will) find someone,” adding that those within the Health Department “want to get on top of it.”
“Just now,” he said, “what we’re really focusing on is talking with the schools.”
Wasiuk encourages those interested in applying for this position to contact him at 413-863-3200, ext. 205 or at healthdir@montague-ma.gov. The position is unpaid. Health Clerk Anne Stuart said rather than having rigid, set hours or being on call, the medical director is “sort of an overview supervisory position.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.