New family doctor in city
Posted By BRANDON BLATZ Sun Media
Updated 2 months ago
The unique charm of Camrose has attracted a new family doctor, who will be joining the physicians at The Smith Clinic to help to alleviate some of the pressure due to the current shortage of doctors.
Dr. Itua Iriogbe was born in Nigeria and completed his medical degree there, graduating in 1996. After he received his MD, he moved to South Africa where he completed his postgraduate studies in family medicine in 1998.
Iriogbe remained in South Africa, practicing medicine in various clinics for 11 years. He did a great deal of reading, and was fascinated with what he learned of first world medicine.
Being a doctor who continually strives to be at the very top of his game in the medical profession, Iriogbe decided that he wanted to gain world-class experience, so when the opportunity arose for him to practice medicine in Canada, he immediately seized upon it.
Iriogbe first came to Camrose in May to visit a friend and colleague and to complete a site visit, an integral component in the recruitment of new physicians. He explained that any doctor wishing to immigrate to Canada to practice medicine must first pass an exam to demonstrate that he or she has the required expertise and practical skills to meet Canadian standards.
Candidate are then sent e-mail updates informing them when and where there are available positions and the physician is able to choose where he or she would like to apply. Once their application is processed and accepted, the doctors visit the community and a final decision is made.
Prior to starting work in a new clinic or practice, the doctor is sent to a community to work alongside another physician to gain familiarity with the Canadian medical system.
The duration of that orientation varies depending on the destination community and the area of medicine in which the individual will be practicing. Iriogbe worked in Provost for two weeks before he came to Camrose.
Diverse
Iriogbe said his medical career in South Africa was very diverse, and he treated a wide range of patients. He added that versatility is a requirement for any doctor wishing to practice in South Africa. Such professional flexibility will be an asset in treating patients at The Smith Clinic.
In response to a question about his first impressions of Camrose, Iriogbe replied, "I am very impressed with Camrose. It's a lovely city and people are very friendly, open and accom-modating." He lightheartedly added that although he has a very positive outlook when it comes to the weather, he never had to don a scarf and parka back in South Africa.
Iriogbe was married six weeks ago and his wife is a lawyer, currently practicing in London, England. She plans to join her husband in Camrose in the future.
