September 25, 2023
LAC LA BICHE — Local and area residents now have improved access to primary care with the recruitment of a new family physician for the community.
Dr. Sanjay Shetty, who goes by Dr. Sanjay, is a family medicine physician now practising at the William J. Cadzow Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre and at the Associated Medical Clinic. With his arrival, there are now five family medicine physicians in the community.
“Dr. Sanjay’s arrival is great news for local and area residents,” says Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche and Minister of Energy and Minerals. “Family physicians are instrumental to the healthcare system, and his desire to practise in our region is greatly valued. We are actively seeking more and better health services in regions that are under-serviced. Albertans deserve the best healthcare in the world, and the Government of Alberta is working towards that.”
Originally from India, Dr. Sanjay moved to Lac La Biche from Calgary last month. He has served in several countries throughout his career after completing his medical training and residency in India.
“Dr. Sanjay’s arrival will help support our local medical team and help provide consistent care for residents,” says Dr. Joe Stander, an Associate Zone Medical Director with AHS North Zone. “We are very happy to welcome him to Lac La Biche and would like to extend a welcome to his family, as well.”
When he’s not working. Dr. Sanjay enjoys jogging, hiking, yoga and meditation. His hobbies with his family include travelling, exploring new places, and experiencing new customs and traditions. “I am looking forward to a warm and welcoming community, which I am already experiencing in Lac La Biche,” says Dr. Sanjay.
Recruitment is ongoing to for additional physicians to support the community and across northern Alberta. AHS has physician resource planners who are dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities. They work closely with various community partners and organizations, such as local Health Advisory Councils, the Rural Health Professions Action Plan, and independent physician attraction and retention committees.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
