All seven physicians are required to complete competency assessments by the College of Physicians of Alberta (CPSA), an independent and self-regulating body responsible for ensuring that all physicians in Alberta have the skills required to practise safely.

There is one additional posting currently available in St. Paul for a family physician with anesthesia training. St. Paul also welcomed a new surgeon earlier this year.

“I want to extend my deepest thanks to MLA Hanson, Mayor Miller, the Lakeland Health Advisory Council and the Health Professions Attraction and Retention Committee for St. Paul, and the countless number of others who worked hard with AHS to recruit new physicians to St. Paul.”

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health

“We look forward to welcoming these new physicians to St. Paul. Having family physicians with this level of skill is important to residents in the community. I would like to thank Mayor Miller for her hard work and commitment to help bring new physicians to our area.”

David Hanson, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul

“Seven new physicians is great news for the residents of St. Paul and area. We are very excited to welcome these new doctors and their families to our community, while ensuring the health-care needs of our residents are met.”

Maureen Miller, mayor of St. Paul and member of the Lakeland Health Advisory Council and the Health Professions Attraction and Retention Committee

“CPSA is working diligently to assess the competency of the new physicians in the St. Paul area. Our assessment programs are an important part of ensuring newly recruited physicians who don’t have all the required Canadian credentials are equipped to provide safe medical care.”

Scott McLeod, registrar, CPSA

Quick facts

  • Two of the new physicians have begun their competency assessments. Pending the outcome of their assessments, these two physicians are expected to start in August and September.
  • A third physician is expected to start the process in August with an anticipated start date in November.
  • The remaining five physicians are expected to begin the assessment process in the coming months.