August 28, 2023
WESTLOCK — Local and area residents now have improved access to primary care with the recruitment of another family physician for the community.
Dr. Kelechi Sixtus Olumba is a family medicine physician who is now practising at the Westlock Healthcare Centre and Pembina Medical Clinic. Dr. Olumba joins a team of 13 other family medicine physicians and four specialists in the community.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Dr. Olumba to Westlock,” says Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock. “Family physicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, and his arrival will help improve access to primary care for local residents.”
Dr. Olumba moved to the community at the end of July.
Dr. Firdaus Mydeen, Associate Zone Medical Director for Alberta Health Services (AHS), says Dr. Olumba is a great addition to the local care team. “His arrival will help support our local medical team, and we are pleased to welcome him.” says Dr. Mydeen.
Originally from Imo State, in Nigeria, he completed his medical training at Madonna University in Nigeria.
Dr. Olumba is married with two children, ages two years old and three months old. He says as a family they enjoy playing video games, playing badminton, trying out new food and travelling.
“I look forward to meeting new people, trying new food, being part of the community and having new experiences, and personal growth in all aspect of life,” he says.
AHS continues to recruit for 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 attraction 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.
