The health-care system in the South Peace Region will loose a respected physician at the end of the summer.
Dr. Remi Oyedeji will be leaving the Dawson Creek Medical Clinic on August 31.
In a letter sent to his patients, Dr. Oyedeji says leaving the community will allow him to “put his family in focus,” adding the decision was difficult to make.
“It has been a pleasure serving you and working alongside you in these past years,” he said.
It is unclear how many patients will be affected. One doctor can typically treat around 2,200 residents.
Dr. Oyedeji says in his letter that patient records will remain with the Dawson Creek Medical Clinic, noting that work is underway to find a replacement for Spring 2027.
He adds that the clinic will ensure affected patients receive appropriate care while a replacement is being sought.
Mayor Darcy Dober is thanking Dr. Oyedeji for his contribution to the community and the health-care system, saying, “It is always hard to lose a physician, and Dr. Oyedeji will be missed.”
Dr. Oyedeji arrived in the Peace Region in August 2016 after completing medical school in Nigeria.
He later spent four years as Chief of Staff at Dawson Creek and District Hospital during what Northern Health describes as “one of the most challenging periods in the hospital’s history,” marked by staffing shortages, service instability and the lasting pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When he stepped down last month, the health authority said Dr. Oyedeji’s work should be recognized, adding the Dawson Creek Hospital is now more stable, better supported and better positioned for the future as a result of his leadership.
According to the Dawson Creek Medical Clinic’s website, there are only three doctors currently providing care at the clinic, including Dr. Oyedeji and his wife, Dr. Shola Oyedeji.
The clinic has confirmed Dr. Shola Oyedeji will also be leaving her position.
“I appreciate your kindness, care and concern for me during these past years,” Dr. Oyedeji wrote. “Wishing you all well and hoping our paths will cross again in the nearest future.”
Six years ago, Dawson Creek had around 25 family doctors practising in the community, but that number has not remained stable since.
After the pandemic, the city had only nine physicians, leaving many residents on waitlists for care.
Since then, Dawson Creek has seen improvements, with 17 doctors now practising in the community and four more expected to join this year.