New family physician now practising in Mayerthorpe

MAYERTHORPE – Local residents have increased access to primary care with the arrival of a new family physician.

Dr. Nabeel Al-Gailani is a family medicine physician now practising out of the Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre and the Family Practice Associates Clinic.

“It’s wonderful that Dr. Al-Gailani is bringing his skills and expertise to Mayerthorpe to serve patients and families in the region,” says Oneil Carlier, MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne. “I’m proud that our government is working with our partners to help improve access to healthcare in rural communities across the province.”

Dr. Zahirali Jamal, Community Medical Director for Mayerthorpe with Alberta Health Services (AHS), says family physicians are an integral piece of the healthcare system.

“Dr. Al-Gailani addition to the team in Mayerthorpe will be beneficial to all local residents and their families,” says Dr. Jamal.

Dr. Al Gailani becomes the sixth family physician practising in town. He comes to Mayerthorpe from Burlington, Ont., having been recruited through the ongoing efforts of AHS and its community partners. An international medical graduate who trained in the Middle East, Dr. Al Gailani did his medical residency in Iraq and specializes in family and emergency medicine.

“Family physicians are a staple of the healthcare system, and welcoming a new family physician is great news for Mayerthorpe,” says Dr. Sandra Corbett, Medical Director for the AHS North Zone. “His arrival helps support other doctors in the community and the region, while increasing local access to primary care.”

“This is exciting news,” adds Ruth Martin-Williams, chair of the Tamarack Health Advisory Council. “We’re always working hard to recruit physicians to the area and I’m sure Mayerthorpe is very excited to have a new physician.”

AHS continues to recruit for family physicians across northern Alberta to meet community needs.

AHS has physician resource planners who are dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities. They work closely with various community partners and organizations, such as local Health Advisory Councils, the Rural Health Professions Action Plan, and independent physician recruitment and retention committees.

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.