The Fort MacMurray medical community has been under a lot of pressure lately because of a shortage of qualified OB/GYNs, but hopefully that will change with the addition of a new physician who specializes in OB/GYN services. Ever since Dr. Keet Peng Wong passed away in June of last year there have not been enough physicians in this type of practice to adequately cover the region, adding stress to those who are available. Alberta Health Services recently announced that they recruited Dr. Nnabuike Ngene, an OB/GYN specialist from South Africa, to join the Fort MacMurray medical community and relieve some of the pressure. Before Ngene can start practicing in Fort MacMurray later this year he must complete the immigration process as well as the assessment for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.

The additional OB/GYN in the Fort MacMurray medical community will help take some of the load off the current physicians. According to a release by Fort McMurray-Conklin MLA Don Scott “Fort McMurray and area has a lot of young families, and the arrival of an additional OB/GYN will help provide much needed and very important care to local residents.” Jane Stioud, an RMWB Coun. Also stated in a release that “As our population continues to grow, we appreciate AHS’ clear commitment to further improving our community’s timely access to obstetrical services.” Dr. Ngene will be warmly welcomed by the Fort MacMurray medical community when he arrives, and he should be able to build a roster of patients fairly quickly.