New family physician now practising in Swan Hills

SWAN HILLS – Local residents have increased access to primary care with the arrival of a new family physician now practising in the community.

Dr. Mutthana Kettana is a family medicine physician working out of the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Dr. Kettana to Swan Hills,” says Dr. Firdaus Mydeen, Associate Zone Medical Director for Alberta Health Services (AHS). “He’s a great addition to our local care team and an excellent example of the steady progress being made to recruit physicians to communities across northern Alberta.”

“I’m so pleased we have a new doctor to help care for and keep residents and families around Swan Hills healthy and well,” adds Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock.

“Congratulations to AHS and the community for building this healthcare team. Our government also continues to strengthen Alberta’s public health system and to ensure we have a sustainable system that provides care for people in their communities, close to their homes across Alberta.”

Dr. Kettana joins Dr. Islam Elawadly as the second physician providing care to the community of Swan Hills and area.

Originally from Iraq, where he completed his medical training and residency, Dr. Kettana comes to Swan Hills from Ontario. He has expertise in anesthesia, trauma medicine, as well as children and women’s health. Outside of his practice, Dr. Kettana has an avid interest in soccer, as well as swimming and reading.

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.