Doctors, clinics and hospitals

Find a physician

In Alberta, physicians are either family doctors or specialists. Family doctors treat most medical problems. Specialists treat special types of health problems. To see a specialist, you usually have to be referred by a family doctor. You may be able to find a family doctor who speaks your first language. There are several ways to find a doctor:

  • Talk to neighbours, other members of your community, and counsellors at immigrant-serving agencies.
  • Use the Physician Search function on the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons website. You can search by physician's name, languages spoken, location, qualifications and areas of practice.
  • Explore MyHealthAlberta to find doctors in your area who are accepting new patients.
  • Look under Physicians and Surgeons in the yellow pages of the telephone book.

Many people find it helpful to return to the same doctor whenever they need medical help. This way, the doctor becomes familiar with their health history and needs.

Health care services

Alberta's health care system offers the following services: doctor's offices, walk-in clinics, emergency centres, hospitals, pharmacies and telephone consultations. Levels of service and areas of specialization vary from location to location. The most up-to-date information about health care in Alberta is available from Alberta Health and Wellness.

Pharmacies

Certified pharmacists prepare and sell prescribed medication to patients with a doctor's prescription. Pharmacies are located in large grocery stores, shopping malls and in chain drug stores. They are easily identifiable and are listed in local directories. If you do not have private insurance coverage, you will be expected to pay for medication. Information about pharmacies and pharmacists can also be found by visiting the Alberta College of Pharmacists.

Public health services

Alberta Health Services administers a number of regional programs and services in areas such as childcare, nutrition, dental health, injury prevention, family planning, and prevention of diseases.

They also offer health programs for pregnant women, babies and children. If required, they may be able to arrange for an interpreter.

To find a public health office or community health centre, contact Health Link or talk to someone at an immigrant-serving agency or look in the blue pages or white pages of your telephone directory.

Health Link Alberta

Health Link Alberta is a toll-free telephone service that provides confidential health advice and service information 24-hours a day, seven days a week to residents of Alberta. One phone call will connect you with a registered nurse who can answer health questions and provide information about local health services and programs. To call Health Link, dial: 1-866-408-LINK (5465).