New family physician now practising in Sylvan Lake

Aug 28, 2023 | 4:13 PM

Local and area residents now have improved access to primary care with the addition of a newly recruited family physician, now practising at Sylvan Medical Centre.

Officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) say Dr. Charnette Swanepoel joined the family medicine practice last month, after being recruited to the community and completing licensing requirements last year. AHS says Dr. Swanepoel has been practising for seven years, most recently in South Africa. She has spent her career in general family medicine and emergency medicine.

“It’s a pleasure to announce the addition of Dr. Swanepoel to Sylvan Lake and the Central Zone medical team to help care for local residents,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, and MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. “Her skills and experience will be an excellent addition to our community. We are thrilled to welcome her to Sylvan Lake.”

AHS says Dr. Swanepoel joins 24 physicians in serving the community and surrounding areas.

“When I first visited Sylvan Lake, I received such a warm and friendly welcome,” Dr. Swanepoel says. “I look forward to practising in such a vibrant, community-focused town. The lake, surrounding farms and mountains make it one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is a privilege that my husband and I now get to call this place home.”

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When she isn’t working, Dr. Swanepoel is said to be an avid traveller, and enjoys playing music and sports.

AHS says it continues to recruit family physicians across the Central Zone to meet community needs. AHS says it has physician resource planners who are dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities. They are said to 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.

Dr. Michael Mulholland, Acting Zone Medical Director with AHS Central Zone, says he appreciates the support from municipal partners and the Sylvan Lake Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee.

“It is an excellent example of what can happen when we work together to support our communities,” says Dr. Mulholland. “AHS is committed to our recruitment efforts to ensure local access to healthcare, and we look forward to working with our partners to help new recruits not only feel welcome but become a part of the community going forward.”

by rdnewsNOW staff

New family physician now practising in Sylvan Lake

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