Dr. Oladipo Odubanjo, the Associated Medical Clinic’s newest family physician, is slowly getting used to the winter weather in St. Paul, after arriving in town from the United Kingdom a month and a half ago.
Odubanjo first received his medical degree in Nigeria, his home country, and practiced medicine at home for three years, but then went to the UK to pursue family medicine training.
“I was told that Canada is full of nice and wonderful people,” said Odubanjo in an interview last week. “And I thought maybe I should give it a go and see how it is.”
His experience so far is that the reports about Canada’s nice and wonderful people are “quite right.”
When Odubanjo applied to immigrate to Canada, he knew that he was coming to Alberta but wasn’t sure which part. However, local physician Albert Harmse suggested that Odubanjo try St. Paul.
“St. Paul is a very nice place – a nice and quiet family place (in) which one can bring up their family,” said Odubanjo, adding, “I find that there’s no hustle and bustle of the big cities, and it has a very welcoming atmosphere.”
So far, he’s enjoying his experiences in St. Paul. “The doctors here have been very good in helping me get started in my practice, and the patients have been very appreciative,” said Odubanjo.
He noted there are some differences to get used to between practicing medicine in the UK and in Canada. “Health care in Britain is tightly regulated,” explained Odubanjo. “While in Alberta, there’s more freedom for physicians to practice what’s best for each patient.
“I also find that family medicine gives you the best opportunity to engage the patient in a total environment,” said Odubanjo. Specialists tend to focus on one aspect of a patient’s health, but family doctors look at the person and his/her health as a whole.
“One can appreciate the patient, not only in just one area of illness, but as a total person,” said Odubanjo, adding that family physicians focus on a person’s entire being and physical, mental and social health.
Odubanjo went on to say that coming to St. Paul has given him an opportunity to meet new and different people. “This lets me enjoy working in a different environment and a lifestyle.”
With Dr. Odubanjo’s arrival in St. Paul, nine physicians will be offering medical services to the community in the new year.
