New Doctor Attracted to Rural France by Community & Team Support

After five years without a dentist, the community of Terres-de-Haute-Charente, France, now has access to dental care thanks to the arrival of Olivia Popa, a practitioner from Romania. Her arrival highlights a collaborative effort between local and regional authorities to address healthcare access in rural areas.

A Personal Connection

Olivia Popa stated, “Ce sont les gens qui m’ont séduite” – “It was the people who seduced me.” She explained that a friend, Jean-Christian, visited the facilities and shared photos and introductions to the team, ultimately influencing her decision to relocate. During her time in Montembœuf, she has become attached to the area and its residents.

Did You Know? Olivia Popa’s decision to practice in Terres-de-Haute-Charente was directly influenced by the welcoming nature of the local team.

Community Support and Collaboration

Popa is joined by her assistant, Zinaida Bria, originally from Moldavia and a resident of France for thirteen years. Popa described Bria as “une collaboratrice précieuse” – “a valuable collaborator” – who will assist with her integration into the community, including housing provided by the municipality. Bria herself expressed a renewed sense of well-being, stating, “Depuis que je suis arrivée en Charente, je revis” – “Since I arrived in Charente, I am reliving my life,” after her experience in Paris.

Sandrine Précigout, the mayor of the commune, emphasized the importance of communal housing in attracting essential professionals. The community of communes is providing both the facilities and the necessary equipment for the dental practice.

Expert Insight: The successful recruitment of Olivia Popa demonstrates the critical role of local authorities in proactively addressing healthcare shortages in rural communities through collaborative resource allocation and support for incoming professionals.

A Multi-Tiered Approach to Healthcare

Benoît Savy, president of the Charente Limousine community of communes, highlighted the importance of a complementary approach between different governing bodies. The Department is responsible for salaries and creating ideal conditions for welcoming healthcare professionals from outside the region. Sandrine Précigout, also a vice-president of the departmental council, added that this is “un travail collectif” – “a collective effort,” essential for successfully integrating a new professional.

The practice has been established as a “maison de santé pluriprofessionnelle” – a multi-professional health center – allowing access to subsidies from the regional health agency (ARS). The existing equipment was purchased from Jean-Luc Divernet, the previous dentist, ensuring the continuity of care. Doctors Étienne Michaud, Hervé Lapouge, and coordinator Simon Rioux were instrumental in Popa’s recruitment and onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can patients schedule an appointment?

Appointments can be made by calling the health center at 05 45 71 10 52.

Where is Olivia Popa practicing?

Olivia Popa is practicing in Terres-de-Haute-Charente, France.

Who assisted Olivia Popa with her relocation?

Olivia Popa was assisted by her friend Jean-Christian, her assistant Zinaida Bria, and the doctors Étienne Michaud, Hervé Lapouge, and coordinator Simon Rioux.

As the new dental practice becomes established, it remains to be seen how it will impact long-term healthcare access for residents of Terres-de-Haute-Charente and surrounding areas.