July 2, 2014
SLAVE LAKE — Local full-time physician Dr. Loai Hamdan will soon begin additional training in anesthesia to become a GP-anesthesiologist through the University of Alberta’s Family Practice Enhanced Skills program.
He begins this one-year program on July 1 and, upon completion, will be trained with the specialized skills needed to deliver anesthesia services in Slave Lake.
Dr. Hamdan’s additional, specialized skills will complement Dr. Cara Robertson, a newly-recruited family physician who is also a GP-anesthesiologist.
Dr. Robertson is expected to arrive in Slave Lake later this year.
“It’s important for residents of Slave Lake to have access to C-sections close to their homes, where they can celebrate the new addition to their family with family and friends,” says Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake.
“Slave Lake will have two GP-anesthesiologists practising in the community within a year,” adds Dr. Kevin Worry, Medical Director for the North Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“This is great news for the community as it further supports AHS’ goal of providing C-section services in Slave Lake.”
Dr. Hamdan will be returning to practise full time in Slave Lake in July 2015 after his training is completed.
“With the support of visiting (locum) physicians and the arrival of five newly-recruited physicians later this year, Slave Lake residents will continue to have access to the care they need while
Dr. Hamdan undertakes his studies,” says Dr. Terry Unger, Associate Zone Medical Director for Slave Lake.
Dr. Hamdan was recruited to Slave Lake in September 2012, thanks to the efforts of AHS and its community partners. Since his arrival, he has been practising full time in the community, providing care at the Slave Lake Healthcare Centre and, most recently, at the Slave Lake Family Care Clinic.
“The community of Slave Lake supports Dr. Hamdan’s continued studies and is looking forward to his return,” says Tyler Warman, Mayor of Slave Lake.
Dr. Hamdan says he and his wife are looking forward to returning to Slave Lake upon the completion of his training next year. “I enjoy the small town life and the practice opportunities that Slave Lake and the Family Care Clinic have to offer,” says Dr. Hamdan.
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. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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