Central Alberta can now access endocrinology services closer to home with the recruitment of a new specialist.
Dr. Haiju Chirayath is practising out of the Medical Specialty Clinic at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Before Chirayath arrived, patients in central Alberta were required to travel to Edmonton and Calgary for endocrinology services.
An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who treats people with a range of conditions caused by problems with hormones, such as diabetes, menopause and thyroid issues.
Chirayath is looking forward to helping manage endocrine patients (16 and older) with conditions such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperlipidemia, obesity, osteoporosis, hypogonadism, as well as thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and parathyroid disease and endocrine disorders in pregnancy.
“Because endocrinology covers such a wide range of medical conditions, good endocrine care can really make a difference for patients, and this new service will help support many other health-care professionals in their work as well,” says Dr. Chirayath.
Chirayath completed his endocrinology training in 2010 at Oxford University in the U.K. He possesses a PhD in the field of diabetes in pregnancy from Manchester University, and an MSc in endocrinology from the University of London. Chirayath previously helped establish the endocrinology service in Kelowna, B.C., and is planning to do the same in Red Deer.
“Dr. Chirayath’s experience and expertise will help to guide the establishment of an endocrinology program for Red Deer and central Alberta,” says Dr. Jennifer Bestard, zone medical director for the Central Zone of Alberta Health Services. “His addition to the Red Deer hospital team will help patients find the right balance when it comes to endocrine health.”
Health Minister and Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange was pleased many central Albertans seeking endocrinology services will be saved the journey to Edmonton or Calgary.
“Our government is working with our partners to recruit and retain health-care professionals in communities across the province so Albertans, wherever they live, can get the care they need as close to home and their communities as possible,” said LaGrange in a statement accompanying the announcement of the new appointment.
Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan said Red Deer has many competitive advantages that make it an attractive place to live, work and raise a family.
“It is good to see medical professionals coming to Red Deer to serve families and individuals in our wonderful community.”
AHS says it continues to recruit family physicians for Central Zone. Physician resource planners identify and pursue 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.