Alberta Health Services – Edmonton Rural Corridor, is actively recruiting a Family Medicine Physician to establish a full-time practice in the community of Smoky Lake. This position will provide services in Community Clinic, Emergency Room Coverage, Inpatient & Outpatient Services, and Long-Term Care.

Once chosen, the successful candidate may choose to operate their business by joining an existing practice or opening their own practice. This is the candidate’s independent business decision and will not be managed through the recruitment process.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Reside in and have as his/her primary residence within the community of Smoky Lake.
• Establish and maintain full-time community-based practice within the community.
• Obtain and maintain an AHS Medical Staff Appointment and appropriate privileges to provide the Services.
• Provide call assistance as per call schedules, including equal participation in the Emergency Department call schedule, as required.
• Abide by the AHS Medical Staff Bylaws, the AHS Medical Staff Rules and AHS policies.
• Participate in quality improvement programs and initiatives undertaken within the Department of Family Medicine.
• Participate in relevant Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs.
• Contribute to and participate in other administrative duties, as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with peers and care team colleagues in support of patient care.

Qualifications

Required

Current Alberta Practice Permit or valid CPSA Letter of Eligibility to practice in the advertised position (proof of to be included with application).
Rural Emergency Room Experience, offering services as the sole provider.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or willingness to obtain before starting the position.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) or willingness to obtain before starting the position.
Desired

Recent hands-on experience (within the past 2 years) in all areas of practice noted within the Description, as the sole provider.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) or willingness to obtain shortly after hire and/or within the contract term.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, and we thank all applicants for their interest; only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to applicants who do not require or have completed the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Practice Ready Assessment (PRA); as well as applicants that are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.

Alberta Health Services hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Indigenous persons.

Community Profile

Smoky Lake County is located in the west of the Alberta HUB region. The Alberta HUB is a partnership of communities and educational institutions in Northeastern Alberta which is meant to enhance the quality of life and economic interests of this region.

Travel Time:  
To Edmonton: 1.5 hrs
To Calgary: 4.0 hrs

The regional economy is based on agriculture and forestry. In addition, the County is home to some of the most impressive natural areas in the province. As such, the tourism industry, particularly eco-tourism, is seen as having significant potential in the area. The County of Smoky Lake offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, from camping and fishing to hiking in many natural areas. Also, the County has a rich history back to the early 1900’s and, as a result, there are many historical sites and points of interest throughout the region. Finally, each of the communities has many activities and events for residents and visitors alike, which attests to the strong community spirit of the County of Smoky Lake.

The George McDougall Memorial Hospital in Smoky Lake has acute care beds, laboratory and diagnostic imaging, community-based services, respite and palliative programs. Our Lady’s Hospital in Vilna has continuing care beds, laboratory and diagnostic imaging, respite and palliative programs. Clinics and nursing homes are available in Smoky Lake and Vilna, while senior citizens homes are available in Smoky Lake, Waskatenau and Vilna. The County is also served by the Northeastern Alberta Health Unit, which provides programs in home care, speech-language pathology, community health nursing, hereditary diseases, nutrition, dental, and more.

Smoky Lake Hospital (George McDougall Healthcare Centre) 
Inpatient Beds: 12
Long Term Care Beds: 23

Hospital Statistics per year (2024/25) 
Emergency Room Visits: 4,903
Discharges: 292

Whether it’s an acreage, weekend retreat, summer home, retirement living or a new beginning, market shoppers will find something in their budget. Rentals and housing purchases are incredibly affordable in the County and its communities. There are also seniors self-contained apartment units available locally under the management of the Smoky Lake Foundation for senior’s housing. The Foundation also has lodges and nursing homes.

Smoky Lake County is served by Portage College campuses in Lac La Biche, St. Paul and Boyle, all within daily commuting distance from Smoky Lake. Programs at Portage College include trades, university degree and entry curriculum, as well as diplomas and certifications.

Our communities have a wide range of recreational facilities including curling rinks, ice arenas, halls, ball diamonds, spray parks, skate parks, campgrounds, and playgrounds. Other points of interest include the Bellis Natural Area, Smoky Lake Golf Course, Waskatenau Trestle, Victoria Trail, Pine Creek Post Office, Fort Victoria, World’s Largest Mushroom, Vilna Pool Hall, Vilna Golf Course and the Kubasa Canyon. Métis Crossing offers world class cultural activities and experiences on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Local cultural facilities include the Smoky Lake Museum and the Historic CNR Station – a museum that also houses the Tourist Information Booth.

We look forward to seeing you in Smoky Lake!

Town of Smoky Lake, AB