New family physician now practising in Whitecourt

Local residents have increased access to primary care with the arrival of a new family physician now practising in the community.

Dr. Niideka Aneke is a family medicine physician who moved to Whitecourt from Edmonton at the end of July. She is currently working out of the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre and the Life Medical Clinic.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Aneke to Whitecourt,” says Dr. Jane Ojedokun, Associate Zone Medical Director with Alberta Health Services. “Family physicians are often the first point of contact patients have with the medical system and are a very important part of a person’s healthcare team. Her skills and expertise will help increase access to healthcare for residents, while providing additional support to our local medical team.”

Dr. Aneke earned her medical degree and completed her residency training in Nigeria, her home country.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Aneke,” says Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead and recently appointed Parliamentary Secretary of Small Business and Tourism. “Her skills will be a great addition to the medical team in Whitecourt and she will help increase residents’ access to the care they need. It’s wonderful to see that she is already enjoying the many great features of our community.”

When she’s not working, Dr. Aneke says she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. They spent their first month in Whitecourt exploring the local parks and walking trails.

“We are excited about being here as we like meeting new people,” says Dr. Aneke. “We look forward to integrating into the community and participating in community events.”

AHS continue to recruit for family physicians across northern Alberta to meet community needs. 

AHS have 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.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.