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By rdnewsNOW staff

Five new physicians

Committee makes progress in Stettler’s doctor shortage

Mar 25, 2025 | 5:01 PM

Stettler’s doctor shortage has gotten a little less grim due to the efforts of the Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee (HPA&R).

On Tuesday, the County of Stettler announced the committee has made progress with two new doctors practising in Stettler and an additional three more have signed on.

“We know attracting and retaining physicians is a challenge faced by many rural communities, but through collaboration and dedication we are making meaningful progress,” said Dean Lovell, Chair, Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee in a media release.

“We are incredibly grateful to our existing healthcare professionals for their commitment to patient care and their support in these recruitment efforts. Our community is a fantastic place to live and work, and we will continue working to ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare for our residents.”

The committee is made up of a joint initiative from the county and the Town of Stettler. Members of the committee bring together local stakeholders such as representatives of the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre, Stettler Medical Clinic, Heartland Medical Clinic, Alberta Health Services, and Stettler Needs Doctors to help solve the problem.

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The committee has worked to establish the needed framework to address the doctor shortage but also to ensure the longterm healthcare sustainability in Stettler and area.

They launched a new joint Town-County physician incentive program last year and continue to actively implement strategies to attract new doctors.

Coordinator Byron Geddes has been at the fore front of this issue and over the last several months has connected with doctors and toured them around the town and county. So far, these efforts have been successful in recruitment.

Currently, Stettler residents are under the care of eight doctors including Dr. Hassan Lockhat (27 years of service), Dr. Philip Vogel (23 years), Dr. Francois du Toit (20 years), Dr. Martins Agwaze (16 years), Dr. Kimberly Chapman (nine years), Dr. Emé Vermeulen (three years) Dr. Jaco Vermeulen (three years), and Dr. Oluwamayokun Ojo (one year).

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