April 25, 2014
SLAVE LAKE — A second full-time physician has been recruited within the past month to practise in Slave Lake, thanks to the recruitment efforts of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and its partners.
Dr. Geoffrey Bourke is a general practitioner with additional post-graduate diplomas in diabetes, child health, dermatology, and antenatal care. He is currently practising in Ireland and working closely with AHS physician resource planners to finalize his move to Canada. He is scheduled to complete a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta assessment during late spring/early summer, and expected to start practising in Slave Lake this fall.
“It’s a pleasure to announce the addition of Dr. Bourke to the Slave Lake medical team,” says Dr. Terry Unger, Associate Zone Medical Director for Slave Lake. “We know there is still work to be done but are happy with the progress being made on physician recruitment for the Slave Lake area.”
Dr. Chris Igboamalu, a family physician with a sub-specialty in high-risk obstetrics, was recruited to Slave Lake earlier this month. He is also expected to start practising in Slave Lake this fall.
“The arrival of Dr. Bourke and Dr. Igboamalu will help increase access to health care services in Slave Lake,” says Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake. “We continue to work closely with AHS to recruit physicians and other health care professionals to the community.”
Recruitment efforts aggressively continue, with two other physicians scheduled to tour Slave Lake for a site visit later this month. Two other site visits are planned for May; one of which is for a GP-anesthesia physician.
“The community of Slave Lake is very excited to welcome Dr. Bourke and his family. We appreciate AHS’ assistance as well as the various members of the community who have assisted in making this possible,” says Tyler Warman, Mayor of Slave Lake.
As part of an overall physician recruitment strategy, AHS has three North Zone physician resource planners who identify and pursue physician recruitment opportunities. They work closely with various community partners and organizations in northern Alberta, such as the Rural Physician Action Plan, Health Advisory Councils, and independent community physician recruitment and retention committees.
“Without the support of our community partners, the recruitment of additional physicians would not be possible,” says Dr. Kevin Worry, North Zone Medical Director. “It is because of community support that we continue to see an increase in physician recruitment to the Slave Lake area.”
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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