May 26, 2014
HIGH PRAIRIE — Local residents have improved access to primary care with the arrival of
Dr. Wayne Chuang, a new family doctor now practising in the community.
From Taiwan, Dr. Chuang started practising in High Prairie earlier this month. He works out of the High Prairie Associate Medical Clinic and provides care at the health complex.
“Dr. Chuang’s arrival to High Prairie was made possible by the recruitment of Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Government of Alberta, local physicians and community partners,” says Pearl Calahasen, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake. “I’m very pleased to welcome him to our community.”
Dr. Chuang received his medical training from St. George’s University in Grenada, in the West Indies, and completed his residency in Michigan.
“General practitioners are an important part of an individual’s and family care plans,” says
Dr. Kevin Worry, Medical Director for AHS North Zone. “The arrival of Dr. Chuang will help increase access to primary health care and help support the local medical team.”
There are now five physicians in High Prairie, and recruitment efforts continue for two additional family physicians.
Three AHS physician resource planners are dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities in the North Zone. They work closely with community partners and organizations, such as Health Advisory Councils, the Rural Physician Action Plan, and independent community physician recruitment and retention committees.
“It’s nice to have an additional doctor in High Prairie,” says Ken Matthews, Chair of the Lesser Slave Lake Health Advisory Council and also a lead member of the local High Prairie Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, which is a part of the Community Health Foundation.
“We always welcome new doctors. His arrival comes at the same time as a departure of another one, so we certainly appreciate the fact that he’s here now.”
Matthews adds he had the opportunity to meet Chuang during his visit to the community, prior to his move to High Prairie. “He’s a great fellow and is interested in rural and country living. He’s a great fit for our community,” Matthews says.
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.
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