June 24, 2015
FORT McMURRAY — Another obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) has been recruited to Fort McMurray, increasing access to obstetrical and gynecological services in the Wood Buffalo area.
Dr. Nnamdi (Christopher) Okoroafor received medical training in Nigeria and the U.K. He has completed his Canadian Royal College certification, and is presently practising in Labrador City, N.L. He is expected to start practising in Fort McMurray this summer.
“The birth rate in Wood Buffalo continues to rise and the community has long been rallying for increased obstetrical support,” says Melissa Blake, mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “The recruitment of Dr. Okoroafor is great news for the entire region and I am thrilled that he will be helping to improve local access to this vital service.”
Dr. Okoroafor is the second OB/GYN specialist to be recruited to Wood Buffalo this year.
Dr. Nnabuike Ngene is also expected to begin practising in the community in the coming months.
Their arrival was made possible by recruitment efforts involving Alberta Health Services (AHS) with support from local partners, including community members, elected officials and the local Health Advisory Council.
“Recruitment efforts are ongoing and we continue to work closely with community members and stakeholders to secure family medicine physicians and specialists – particularly those who specialize in obstetrical care – a critical need in Wood Buffalo,” says Kim Fleming, physician resource planner for the Wood Buffalo region.
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.
“Recruiting Dr. Okoroafor is exciting news for the community as it demonstrates AHS’ dedication to providing timely access to obstetrical services for Wood Buffalo residents,” says Dr. Surinder Khinda, Medical Director for Wood Buffalo. “We know Dr. Okoroafor will fit in nicely with our medical community.”
Dr. Okoroafor and his wife have three children and they enjoy outdoor games and skiing together. In his free time he also likes to play soccer and hunt.
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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