ALBERTA - Alberta Rural Health Week, May 25-29, provides an opportunity to celebrate the physicians and healthcare teams who support rural Albertans. We recently tagged along with Dr. Akin Osakuade, a family doctor who practices in Didsbury, to get a better appreciation for how rural healthcare is delivered.

It’s an early start for Dr. Akin as he makes his way around the Acute Care wing at the Didsbury District Health Centre. He’s doing his morning rounds — moving room to room to check in on his patients, giving them updates and answering their questions.

Dr. Akin doing his morning rounds at the Didsbury District Health Centre. Photo by Leah Hennel.

As he’s doing this, he’s also mentoring a medical clerk, Michaela Quon, and a resident, Dr. Maryam Thraya, who are learning firsthand what it means to be a rural doctor.

Dr. Akin with medical clerk, Michaela and resident, Dr. Maryam. Photo by Leah Hennel.

“You’re not just one kind of doctor. One day you might be a family physician, or an emergency doctor, or another day you’re managing conditions that would normally be handled by a specialist,” says Dr. Akin.”

With fewer resources and greater distances between services, collaboration in rural medicine becomes essential. Dr. Akin regularly connects with physicians, nurses and other team members to ensure his patients receive the safest medications, appropriate care plans, and supports they need after leaving the hospital.

“If the team you work with is great, the care for patients will be great,” says Dr. Akin.

“Communication, mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s skills are what allow us to meet the wide range of needs our patients have.”

No day is the same, though. After morning rounds, Dr. Akin may take a shift in the emergency room. Today, he’s heading to his family practice — Trinity Rose Medical Centre — to take anywhere from 30-50 patient appointments.

Dr. Akin taking patient appointments at Trinity Rose Medical Centre in Didsbury. Photo by Leah Hennel.

“It’s humbling and a privilege to do this work,” says Dr. Akin. “I didn’t find medicine, it found me.”

Thanks to Dr. Akin and all the rural physicians and healthcare teams who embrace the large and evolving demands of rural practice. Their ability to do so much ensures Albertans can live their healthiest lives. Thank you for all you do.