South African physician says the way of life intrigued his family

By Gillian Slade on November 2, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

A new family physician in town has moved nearly 16,000 kilometres to settle here, and one of the big motivations was the Canadian lifestyle.

“It’s a first-world country with all the benefits, but not being so city bound,” said Dr. Ockert Kruger noting the great outdoors and relative safety compared to his native South Africa.

“My wife and I felt like it was time to make a move. There are great opportunities here in Canada,” said Kruger. “It is a completely different way of life. We are very keen to do something new.”

Several friends who had graduated with him in South Africa are already settled in Alberta and some even in Medicine Hat, he said.

“They are having the time of their lives,” said Kruger. “That was a big motivator.”

The decision to come was not made lightly and it has been a “massive process” that began about two years ago, he said. At times he thought it was simply not going to come together. He became disheartened and began applying to other countries as well.

“Early this year things started actually coming together. We are so grateful,” said Kruger.

Even though Kruger was trained and has already practised as a physician in South Africa, Canada has a process physicians are required to fulfil before starting a practice.

“I think it is a good thing because it ensures that there is a good standard for a medical practitioner and it benefits the Canadian people,” said Kruger. “I wouldn’t hold Canada in such high regard if it was easy. They are very thorough with their assessment of doctors.”

Next week Kruger starts his three-month assessment process under supervision in Vulcan. In early February he expects to be ready to practise at HealthWORX medical clinic in Medicine Hat, where they are already taking applications for his new patients.

His wife is expected to arrive in Canada in December and they will celebrate their first Christmas in snowy weather. Kruger says he loves the cold.

Kruger has a wide range of medical experience. He enjoys older people and has a lot of respect for them because they often have a wealth of wisdom. He has experience in orthopedics and sports medicine too.

What he is most looking forward to is that this is a first-world country with top-notch medical guidelines and an emphasis on preventative medicine.

Anyone requiring a family doctor should pick up a registration form from the HealthWORX clinic, located in the Walmart area, or download the registration form from HealthWORX’s website. After completing the registration form it is a good idea to take it to HealthWORX along with a pharmacy printout of the medications you are on.

16
-15