Two new family physicians are now practising in Ponoka, Alberta Health Services, announced Friday.
Dr. Neslyan Orie-Lindenbergh and Dr. Bamidele Osuolale have joined the teams at Battle River Medical Centre and the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.
Osuolale is a general practitioner with basic obstetrics. He received his medical education and postgraduate training in Nigeria, where he practised for more than 10 years before relocating to Canada.
Orie-Lindenbergh studied medicine and completed her residency in family medicine in the Netherlands where she practised for eight years prior to coming to Canada.
Both physicians are accepting new patients. With the addition of the two doctors, there are 13 physicians serving the community and surrounding area.
“Family physicians play an invaluable role in our healthcare system, providing much-needed primary care to rural communities,” said Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange in a press release.
“The arrival of two new family physicians is great news for Ponoka, and I extend my best wishes to them as they settle into the community.”
Orie-Lindenbergh is attracted to practising in rural communities.
“In the Netherlands we lived in a small town where my husband grew up and my in-laws lived within walking distance,” she said. “The kids went to school on their bike and their friends all lived in the same neighbourhood. Ponoka has the same feel and that is what attracted us to the town.”
In her spare time, Orie-Lindenbergh enjoys reading, hiking, baking and travel.
“I see Ponoka to be a fit for my kind of environment and for my family. The rodeo is something I am looking forward to enjoying,” said Osuolale, who also enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and playing sports.
In the release, AHS stated it continues to recruit for physicians across its 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.”