June 16, 2021
FORT VERMILION – Local residents will soon have improved access to primary care with the recruitment of a former locum physician to a permanent family physician position.
Dr. Barend Jacobus De Klerk is a long-term locum physician who recently accepted a full-time permanent position in Fort Vermilion. Dr. De Klerk has been serving the communities of La Crete and Fort Vermilion since 2005.
“I’m grateful Dr. De Klerk has accepted this full-time position and is committed to ensuring area residents have lasting access to primary care,” says Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River. “The Government of Alberta knows healthcare is an integral service everywhere in the province and we’re working to attract skilled professionals to our rural communities.”
Dr. De Klerk earned his medical degree and completed his residency training at Pretoria University in South Africa. With a keen interest in farming, Dr. De Klerk and his wife also enjoy spending time outdoors exploring hiking trails.
“Fort Vermilion is a great community with a good medical team and Dr. De Klerk has long been a part of that strong team,” says Dr. Mark Forder, Interim Associate Zone Medical Director for AHS North Zone. “It’s important everyone has access to a family physician, no matter where they live, and Dr. De Klerk’s permanent position will provide stability and continued access to local healthcare services for Fort Vermilion and area residents.”
Dr. De Klerk and his wife have four grown children.
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.
