August 28, 2023
SYLVAN LAKE – Local and area residents now have improved access to primary care with the addition of a newly recruited family physician, now practicing at Sylvan Medical Center.
Dr. Charnette Swanepoel joined the family medicine practice last month, after being recruited to the community and completing licensing requirements last year. Dr. Swanepoel has been practicing for seven years, most recently in South Africa. She has spent her career in general family medicine and emergency medicine.
“It’s a pleasure to announce the addition of Dr. Swanepoel to Sylvan Lake and the Central Zone medical team to help care for local residents,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, and MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. “Her skills and experience will be an excellent addition to our community. We are thrilled to welcome her to Sylvan Lake.”
Dr. Swanepoel joins 24 physicians in serving the community and surrounding areas.
“When I first visited Sylvan Lake, I received such a warm and friendly welcome,” Dr. Swanepoel says. “I look forward to practicing in such a vibrant, community-focused town. The lake, surrounding farms and mountains make it one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is a privilege that my husband and I now get to call this place home.”
When she isn’t working, Dr. Swanepoel is an avid traveller, and enjoys playing music and sports.
AHS continues to recruit family physicians across the Central Zone 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.
Dr. Michael Mulholland, Acting Zone Medical Director with AHS Central Zone, says he appreciates the support from municipal partners and the Sylvan Lake Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee.
“It is an excellent example of what can happen when we work together to support our communities,” says Dr. Mulholland. “AHS is committed to our recruitment efforts to ensure local access to healthcare, and we look forward to working with our partners to help new recruits not only feel welcome but become a part of the community going forward.”
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.
