The Creston Valley is welcoming two new physicians as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare in the community.
The Creston Valley Health Working Group announced Oct. 19 that Dr. Akela Szasz joined Summit Medical Clinic on Oct. 1, while Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Swanson has recently relocated from Colorado and is looking to establish a practice in the community.
Mayor Arnold DeBoon said the new physicians will help ease pressure on local healthcare services, with another doctor expected to arrive early next month.
“Any new doctor will hopefully take a patient load, and I believe these two doctors will,” DeBoon said. “That will allow more people access to a doctor in our community.”
DeBoon said the Creston Valley will have welcomed seven new doctors by the end of this year, although not all are expected to take on a full patient load, as some have specialized practices.
He said an estimated 2,000 people are still waiting for a family doctor.
“I’ve talked to people that have waited for quite some time, so I’m really hoping these new arrivals will shorten that list,” DeBoon said.
Recruiting physicians involves a collaborative effort between local doctors, physician recruiters and the wider community.
DeBoon said some prospective physicians have previously worked in the valley as locums, giving them an opportunity to become familiar with the area before deciding whether to settle there. They’re also shown around the community and introduced to other physicians.
“I guess to our credit, the Creston Valley sells itself a lot just because of the beauty we have here,” DeBoon said. “But we also have a very good recreation centre, and we offer amenities that some of our competitors don’t.”
He said the area’s climate, access to Kootenay Lake and welcoming community also helps.
Dr. Swanson brings experience in family medicine, obstetrics and surgical obstetrics. She completed a fellowship in rural family medicine in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in high-risk obstetrical care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
DeBoon said her experience is an asset to the community, which already has a team of physicians, midwives and nurses providing maternity care.
“Having an additional physician with her skill is a great asset here,” he said. “We do seem to have quite a few new families and younger families here, and so definitely it is a real bonus for our community to have Dr. Swanson arrive.”
Despite the new arrivals, DeBoon said physician retention remains a challenge, with three doctors having left the community this year.
“The biggest challenge, again, is physicians coming and going,” he said.
He explained that some doctors have left to pursue further education or upgrade their skills, while others are approaching retirement. It’s unclear whether those pursuing further education will return to the valley.
“You think we have success on one hand and we do, but then suddenly there’s another position we need to fill. It’s an ongoing challenge to keep doing this,” DeBoon said.
He added that physician recruitment is competitive across B.C. and Canada, and the community continues working to attract new doctors.
Residents looking for a family doctor are encouraged to register through the provincial Health Connect Registry. Those without internet access can call 8-1-1 for assistance.
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