February 26, 2015
FORT McMURRAY — Residents in the Wood Buffalo area will soon have increased access to obstetrical and gynecological services in the community.
Obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) specialist Dr. Nnabuike Ngene has been recruited to Fort McMurray by Alberta Health Services (AHS) with support from local partners, including community members, elected officials and the local Health Advisory Council.
“Fort McMurray and area has a lot of young families, and the arrival of an additional OB/GYN will help provide much-needed and very important care to local residents,” says Don Scott, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, and MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin. 
Dr. Ngene received medical training in his native South Africa, and is expected to start practising in the community later this year upon the completion of his immigration process and assessment by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
“Recruitment efforts are ongoing and we continue to work closely with AHS for additional family medicine physicians and specialists – particularly those who specialize in obstetrical care – a critical need in Wood Buffalo,” says Mike Allen, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo.
As part of an overall physician recruitment strategy, AHS has three physician resource planners in its North Zone dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities.
These planners work closely with various community partners and organizations, such as the Rural Physician Action Plan, Health Advisory Councils, and local, independent community physician recruitment and retention committees.
“As our population continues to grow, we appreciate AHS’ clear commitment to further improving our community’s timely access to obstetrical services,” says Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Deputy Mayor Jane Stroud.
Dr. Nnabuike Ngene and his wife have three children ranging from under one year to 6 years old.
“It was a pleasure to meet Nnabuike on his tour of our community. We look forward to him and his family joining our medical family,” says Dr Gene Vitug, Northern Lights Regional Health Centre’s Co-Facility Medical Director.
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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