April 4, 2013
EDSON — Local residents have improved access to primary care with the recruitment of a new full-time physician now practising in the community.
Dr. Rajesh Sood is a family physician with a special interest in emergency medicine. He moved to the community in February and is currently accepting new patients at the Edson Medical Centre, as well as providing care at the Edson Health Care Centre.
“Welcoming a new family physician is great news for Edson and Yellowhead County residents,” says Robin Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and MLA for West Yellowhead. “Family physicians are often the first point of health care for people, and having Dr. Sood as an additional care provider will increase the ability to access quality health care in Edson, which is one of the fastest growing communities in the riding.”
There are now 12 physicians practising in the community.
As part of an overall physician recruitment strategy, AHS has three physician resource planners in its North Zone who are dedicated to identifying and pursuing physician recruitment opportunities.
These planners work closely with various community partners and organizations, such as the Rural Physician Action Plan, Health Advisory Councils, and independent community physician recruitment and retention committees.
Local family physician Dr. Brian Willis played a significant role in helping to recruit Dr. Sood to Edson.
Dr. Sood is from Cape Town, South Africa, and received his medical education at the Walter Sisulu University. In his spare time, he enjoys cricket, swimming and computers. His wife, also a physician, is currently in South Africa completing her medical residency in general surgery. They have a 15-month-old son.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.8 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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