New family physician bolsters primary care in La Crete
January 20, 2012
LA CRETE — Local access to primary care has improved with the recruitment of a new physician now practising in the community.
General practitioner Dr. Abdussalam M. Ghargoum is now accepting new patients at the La Crete Medical Clinic. Dr. Ghargoum also brings expertise in emergency, intensive care and dialysis to the community. Beginning next month, he will also work some shifts and rotating on-call weekends at the La Crete Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre.
“I am pleased to be starting off the New Year by welcoming Dr. Ghargoum to the La Crete community,” says Frank Oberle, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development and MLA for Peace River.
“His skill and knowledge will have a positive impact on local health care by helping to increase access to primary care and providing more support to current physicians.”
Dr. Ghargoum hails from Libya, where he received his medical training. He moved to Canada in 2010 and completed his Canadian physician practise assessment in High Level, where he had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Heinrich Brussow, associate zone medical director with AHS.
“The arrival of Dr. Ghargoum is the result of ongoing efforts to attract doctors to communities across northern Alberta,” says Dr. Kevin Worry, medical director of the North Zone with AHS.
“The support of local community members, businesses, government partners and organizations play a vital role in physician recruitment, and the arrival of Dr. Ghargoum is a strong example of the community’s spirit and dedication to attract new physicians.”
Dr. Ghargoum and his wife, Sana Elgazla, have two children: a five-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. As a family they enjoy cooking, reading and staying active. Some of Dr. Ghargoum’s favourite sports include soccer and tennis.
The physician says he looks forward to making friends and building relationships in their new home of La Crete. He believes being attentive and sensitive is a cornerstone of his job.
“Dr. Ghargoum will certainly be a welcome addition to the La Crete Medical Clinic,” says Joyce Fehr, manager of La Crete Medical Clinic. “It’s great to have him here.”
Improving access to primary care is one of the goals outlined in the 5-Year Health Action Plan, jointly developed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Government of Alberta and supported by the 5-Year Health Funding Plan.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 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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