By Chad Klassen

Ashcroft’s newest doctor enjoying his new rural lifestyle

Nov 15, 2016 | 2:47 PM

ASHCROFT, B.C. — It has been an ongoing struggle for the community of Ashcroft for years, a constant cycle of doctors coming and going.

The problem has made it very hard for the village to maintain a consistent level of health care for residents who live there.

Ashcroft has been grooming two of its newest doctors since March, bringing the total to three.

One will be leaving the hospital at the end of the month, putting the community in a familiar position.

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Dr. Amgad Zake is one of Ashcroft’s newest doctors, practicing in the community since March after eight years working in Kuwait. But only eight months into living in the small Interior community, he’s loving his new rural setting.

“I love the community here. The staff are very efficient, almost there is no waiting time to have blood work or X-Rays done here. Most of the time, you will have an appointment with one of our physicians within the same day,” says Dr. Zake. “It is a very dynamic practice. Everything I can do here. I have ultrasound machine, I have a very nice treatment room, I have an X-Ray, I have blood work. We do everything.”

He says he loves the outdoor activities Ashcroft has to offer, as well as the more quiet, laid back lifestyle.

Dr. Zake, born and raised in Egypt, came to practice through Health Match BC, taking an exam and then training for three months in Lillooet before coming to Ashcroft.

He has Dr. Debra Obu, who also started working at clinic March 1. But there are many days Dr. Zake is the only doctor working, making for a long day. 

“I try to do my best. I give priority to the emergency cases. I have good experience from my previous practice to assist who needs the immediate help,” says Dr. Zake.

Ashcroft has been a revolving door for doctors coming and leaving the community the last number of years. It has the village steps behind in its efforts to maintain a consistent level of health care.

With only three doctors — soon to be two — the emergency room at the hospital is only open on weekends. 

“The clinic works very well. We have to have limited hours for the emergency room because we don’t want to burn our doctors out,” says David Durksen from Ashcroft’s Wellness and Health Action Coalition.

One doctor is leaving at the end of the month — and more aren’t expected for another year. 

“We’ve had a revolving door of doctors, and patients, myself included, really appreciate continuity of care, and so that’s what we’re really working on. We’re hoping by the fall of 2017 to have another two doctors,” notes Durksen.

It means there will be just two doctors for the next 10 months. Meantime, Dr. Zake and his family, including his two kids, are thoroughly enjoying their first few months in the small Interior community.

He’s already thinking long term. He says he loves the outdoor activities Ashcroft has to offer, as well as the more quiet, laid back lifestyle.  

“We have a committment to practice here for three years, but I would love to stay all of my career here.”