April 12, 2023
VIKING – Local and area residents have improved access to care with the recruitment of a new physician.
Dr. Joan Smith, who works at the Viking Health Centre and Viking Medical Clinic, is accepting new patients. She can be reached at 780-336-4786.
With Dr. Smith’s arrival, Viking now has five physicians practising in the community.
“As part of the Rural Health portfolio under the leadership of Parliamentary Secretary, Tany Yao, I have consulted with the team and many groups across the province to identify hurdles and barriers to effective care in rural Alberta,” says Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose. “I am thrilled Dr. Joan Smith has accepted the call in the beautiful community of Viking, where her full scope of practice can be exercised as well as her being a respected pillar in the community.”
Dr. Smith received her medical training at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and previously practised in Pretoria’s Life Eugene Marais and Life Wilgers hospitals.
The team-oriented approach and good work-life balance at the Viking facilities were key factors in attracting Dr. Smith to the community. As a fan of outdoor recreation, she has been trying new winter sports and exploring the Viking area.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to recruit for physicians across 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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
