The Stettler Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee reports that "measurable progress" is being made to get new physicians to the community.
A March 2025 media release announced that two new doctors have begun practicing in the community since the start of the year. Three others have signed on and are able to start seeing patients once they have navigated through the province's assessment process.
“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 of the Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee.
"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 a joint initiative between Stettler County, the town, and representatives from the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre, Stettler Medical Clinic, Heartland Medical Clinic, Alberta Health Services, and Stettler Needs Doctors.
According to the release, the primary mandate of the committee is to recruit and retain physicians; as part of that mandate, the committee is developing a framework to address the current physician shortages and ensure long-term stability for the region.
"Following the launch of a new joint Town-County physician incentive program in the summer of 2024, HPA&R has been actively implementing strategies to attract new doctors while supporting those already practicing in the community," states the release. "At the lead of HPA&R Coordinator, Byron Geddes, the Committee has been diligent over the last several months connecting with doctors and touring them around the Town and County, highlighting our recreational amenities, healthcare facilities, beautiful countryside and way of life. These efforts have shown great success so far in securing doctors to start practicing in Stettler throughout this year."
The release concludes by recognizing the hard work of the physicians who have remained in the community and the committee's partners at the Stettler Health Services Foundation and Rural Health Professional Action Plan.
Long-term physicians in the community are:
- Dr. Hassan Lockhat, 27 years of service
- Dr. Philip Vogel, 23 years of service
- Dr. Francois du Toit, 20 years of service
- Dr. Martins Agwaze, 16 years of service
- Dr. Kimberly Chapman, nine years of service
- Dr. Emé Vermeulen, three years of service
- Dr. Jaco Vermeulen, three years of service
- Dr. Oluwamayokun Ojo, one year of service
According to the province, a region the size of Stettler should have 14-16 practicing physicians.
