Two new physicians, Sarnia native Dr. Rachel Haywood (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Badi Watunda (Paediatrics), have joined Bluewater Health to enhance specialized, accessible care for Sarnia-Lambton families. Dr. Rachel Haywood joins the team in Emergency Medicine, bringing her professional commitment to the community she calls home. As a Sarnia native, Dr. Haywood has a deep […]
Two new physicians, Sarnia native Dr. Rachel Haywood (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Badi Watunda (Paediatrics), have joined Bluewater Health to enhance specialized, accessible care for Sarnia-Lambton families.
Dr. Rachel Haywood joins the team in Emergency Medicine, bringing her professional commitment to the community she calls home. As a Sarnia native, Dr. Haywood has a deep personal and professional appreciation for the hospital's vital role in the well-being of Sarnia-Lambton.
Dr. Haywood completed her Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology at McMaster University.
She then earned her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science degrees from Saba University School of Medicine in the Dutch Caribbean.
Her family medicine residency was recently completed at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
She specifically chose to practice at Bluewater Health to contribute to a department known for its excellence, teamwork, and patient-centred approach. Dr. Haywood is motivated by the privilege of serving the people of Sarnia-Lambton and helping to strengthen the region's continuum of emergency services.
The hospital also welcomes Dr. Badi Watunda to its Paediatrics department, a crucial area for families in the Sarnia-Lambton community.
Dr. Watunda completed his paediatric residency at Tygerberg Hospital, the teaching hospital of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa.
He brings over 10 years of experience as a general medical practitioner, alongside extensive training in paediatrics, teaching, and research.
Dr. Watunda was attracted to Sarnia because of its reputation as a beautiful, family-friendly community surrounded by water. He noted that he was also drawn to the opportunity to practice both hospital and community-based paediatrics, which provides comprehensive care to the area's children.
Dr. Mike Haddad, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Bluewater Health, praised the two new hires, noting their importance to the clinical teams. "The arrival of Drs. Haywood and Watunda brings important expertise and new energy to our clinical teams," he stated.
Both physicians bring exceptional training and a strong desire to serve the people of Sarnia-Lambton. Their privileges were formally approved at the hospital’s Board of Directors meeting on November 26, 2025. Bluewater Health is delighted the physicians have chosen the local hospital to build their careers, further strengthening access to high-quality care for patients and families across Sarnia-Lambton.
