Spirit River now has four physicians practicing in the community. Dr. Adefolake Olaniyan and Dr. Deanna Funk are now practicing family medicine for Spirit River residents out of the Central Peace Health Complex and Central Peace Health Centre.
Dr. Olaniyan comes to the area with more than 10 years of clinical and emergency care. She graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos and got her training in Nigeria, West Africa where she also got her medical degree. She says that she is excited to join the Spirit River health team.
“The Peace Country is very much home to us – my husband, Deji, and our four kids have lived in Grande Prairie since moving to Canada. Cooking, listening to music, and seeing new places are some of my leisure activities,” Dr. Olaniyan says. “I look forward to meeting you and your families!”
Dr. Funk was born and raised in the Peace Country and is beginning her practice after finishing her Doctor of Medicine degree in Calgary. She finished her family medicine residency earlier in the summer in Grande Prairie. She and her family have since moved to Spirit River.
“I’m excited to get to know more people in the community and attend more local events,” Dr. Funk says.
Spirit River’s Mayor Tammy Yaremko says the arrival of both doctors is good news for the community.
“We have had great support from local residents and community partners to assist in the recruitment of these physicians.”
MLA for Central Peace-Notley Todd Loewen adds he is proud of the work the government is doing to improve access to healthcare in rural communities, not only in the north but across the province.