Three new family physicians now practising in Peace River

PEACE RIVER – Local residents have increased access to primary care with the arrival of three new family physicians now practising in the community.

Dr. Adam Mildenberger and Dr. Kathryn Wood, who are spouses, began their practices at the Peace River Medical Clinic in July, while Dr. Karen Neupane began her practice at the Peace River Medical Clinic in August.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Dr. Wood, Dr. Mildenberger and Dr. Neupane to the community,” says Dr. Karen Lundgard, Associate Zone Medical Director for Alberta Health Services (AHS). “They are all great additions to our local care team and will play a significant role in providing access to primary care for our residents.”

Originally from Beaverlodge, Dr. Mildenberger is a family medicine physician with expertise in anesthesia, while Dr. Wood, who is from Edmonton, is also a family medicine physician with expertise in obstetrics and general surgery.

Both physicians received their medical training at the University of Alberta. Dr. Wood completed her residency as part of the U of A Rural Family Medicine Program in Grande Prairie, with a fellowship in enhanced surgical skills in Prince Albert, Sask. Dr. Mildenberger also completed his residency through the U of A Rural Family Medicine Program in Grande Prairie and fellowship in family practice anesthesia at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

Sharing an avid interest in travel, both Dr. Mildenberger and Dr. Wood enjoy being active outdoors and are looking forward to exploring their new community.

Dr. Neupane becomes the 14th family physician practising in town. Originally from Edmonton, Dr. Neupane received her medical training at the University of Alberta, followed by a rural family medicine residency in Red Deer and a diploma in advanced obstetrics in Grande Prairie.

“After a few years away, we are very happy to return with our family to Peace River,” she says.

Dr. Neupane and her husband, Pradeep, a registered nurse (RN) and primary care paramedic, worked in Peace River for 18 months in 2014-15. Their eldest child, four-year-old Lila, was born in Peace River before the family moved to Olds, while Pradeep was completing his RN degree at Red Deer College. The family has also grown in that time to include one-year-old Anjali.

“We are very glad Dr. Mildenberger and Dr. Wood chose Peace River to start their careers, and that Dr. Neupane has returned,” says Elaine Manzer, chair of the Peace Regional Healthcare Attraction Committee.

“We are very pleased to welcome them to the Peace Region and hope to have their services for many years to come.”

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.