If you’re looking for meaningful rural medicine with strong community impact, supportive colleagues, and the chance to build a long-term home (with potential future partnership/equity opportunities), this may be the right fit.

Shale Medical Clinic is offering a $50,000 signing bonus for new physician recruits who join full-time and live in Drayton Valley (primary residence). (Bonus details provided as part of the recruitment agreement.)

The opportunity at a glance

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is actively recruiting Family Medicine Physicians for full-time rural practice in Drayton Valley, with a broad scope that includes community clinic, Emergency Room coverage, and acute care/long-term careresponsibilities. 

AHS notes that physicians are expected to:

• Reside in Drayton Valley (primary residence), 
• Maintain a full-time community-based practice, 
• Participate in Emergency Department call schedules as required, 
• Hold/obtain appropriate AHS privileges and appointments. 

AHS also highlights that successful candidates may choose to join an existing practice (like ours) or open their own practice—this is the physician’s independent business decision. 

Why Shale Medical Clinic

We’re a busy, community-rooted clinic in the heart of Drayton Valley, focused on delivering comprehensive, relationship-based primary care—while supporting our physicians with the systems and team culture that make full-scope family medicine sustainable.

1) Strong clinic access and continuity

Our clinic offers comprehensive primary healthcare, including a same-day urgent access service for the community. 
We also have a patient portal that supports online booking and clinic messaging—helpful for continuity and efficient follow-up. 

2) Modern clinic setting with on-site resources

Shale Medical Clinic operates in a well-equipped medical centre environment, including an onsite pharmacy and access to services such as x-ray and ultrasound, along with clinic space designed for efficient patient flow. 
(As with any posting, exact services and workflows are reviewed with candidates during the recruitment conversation.)

3) Collegial, physician-led culture

You’ll be joining a team that values:

• Clear communication and respectful collaboration
• Clinical autonomy with reliable peer support
• Quality improvement and patient-centered decision-making (also emphasized by AHS for this role) 

4) A long-term path (including future partnership/equity options)

We’re building for the future. For physicians who want to put down roots in Drayton Valley, we’re open to structured business equity sharing or partnership opportunities over time, based on mutual fit, community commitment, and practice alignment.

Compensation & eligibility (high level)

AHS lists this opportunity as fee-for-service, potentially including additional program stipends, and notes that total billings vary by practitioner. 
The posting is also marked Sponsorship Eligible. 

Typical required/desired qualifications include:

• Eligibility for CPSA licensure and ACLS
• CCFP and/or rural-relevant credentials such as PALS/NRP/ATLS are listed as desired 

Living in Drayton Valley: big outdoors, real community, close to Edmonton

Drayton Valley is a vibrant and diverse community located where prairie meets boreal forest and the foothills, with strong recreation options (golf, ski trails, walking trail, sports facilities) and a highly engaged community culture. 

Drayton Valley is approximately:

• 60 minutes west of Leduc
• ~90 minutes from Edmonton
• ~2 hours from Red Deer

If you’re looking for a place where your work matters and your off-time can actually feel like off-time, Drayton Valley offers a compelling balance. 

Our $50,000 signing bonus (Shale Medical Clinic)

To help attract long-term physicians to our community, Shale Medical Clinic is offering a $50,000 signing bonus for new recruits who:

• Join Shale Medical Clinic full-time, and
• Maintain primary residence in Drayton Valley.

We’ll review the bonus structure and any return-of-service terms transparently during the recruitment process.

How to apply / connect

1. Apply through AHS:
   AHS Family Medicine Physician – Drayton Valley posting is here: https://doctorjobsalberta.albertahealthservices.ca/jobs/family-medicine-physician-drayton-valley-9864
   (Posting includes scope details, qualifications, and requisition information.) 
2. Connect with Shale Medical Clinic (confidential conversation):
   Phone: 780-898-4628 
   Email: reception@shalemedical.ca
   Location: 5004 50th Avenue, Drayton Valley, AB 

If you’re even considering a move, reach out—we’re happy to talk through practice style, call expectations, clinic support, and what life looks like here.

Quick FAQ

Is this a full-scope rural family medicine role?
Yes—AHS describes the scope as including community clinic plus emergency and inpatient/long-term care components. 

Do I need to live in Drayton Valley?
AHS states physicians must reside in the community and have their primary residence in Drayton Valley. 

Is the position sponsorship eligible?
Yes, the AHS posting marks this opportunity as sponsorship eligible. 

Does Shale Medical Clinic offer online booking / a patient portal and a Modern EMR?
Yes— We use to Telus CHR/Input Health EMR and our patient portal supports online booking and messaging. 

While this disruption is inconvenient, this upgrade is long overdue—and we are genuinely pleased to see AHS investing in modernized equipment for our community.

Important: Hospital X-ray will be reserved for hospital patients only

During the renovation period, the hospital will have limited X-ray capacity (mobile equipment with basic exams only).
We have been advised that this limited X-ray service will be reserved for hospital patients only, including:

• Emergency Department (ER)
• Acute Care
• Long-Term Care (LTC)

No outpatient/community X-ray appointments will be available at the hospital during this time.
This means that any X-rays ordered by our clinic/physicians will need to be completed outside of Drayton Valley until local outpatient access resumes.

If your clinician determines you need an X-ray during this period:

• We will send your requisition to an out-of-community imaging site, or provide you with instructions on where to go.
• Please plan for possible travel time and appointment availability at receiving sites.

AHS has noted that full Diagnostic Imaging services are available at alternate facilities including (but not limited to):
Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, Rimbey Hospital & Care Centre, and Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Centre.

What the hospital can do during renovations (for hospital patients)

AHS advises that during the renovation window, the hospital’s mobile unit can complete basic X-rays only, including:

• Chest
• Upper extremities (upper arm to fingers)
• Lower extremities (lower leg to toes)
• Shoulders and knees (trauma only)

Some studies are very limited and may depend on clinical need and patient factors (for example abdomen, some shoulder views, small hips/pelvis, cervical spine). AHS also notes that many other exams cannot be performed at the site during this period.

Update on the former ACMS X-ray clinic

At this time, there are also no X-ray services available at the former ACMS X-ray clinic. It remains closed while legal matters are ongoing. We understand there is hope it may reopen under new management in the near future, and we will keep the public informed as soon as we have confirmed details.

Thank you for your patience

We recognize how disruptive this is for patients and families. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this transition, and we are optimistic that the end result will be improved imaging services for Drayton Valley.

If you have questions about an X-ray requisition or where to go, please contact our clinic.
For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Telus has informed us of an issue with CHR Connect app users being unable to book appointments today. They have issued a fix and users are advised to update their CHR Connect app.

Please note that we have plenty of availability for Same Day appointments today – feel free to walk in today, no booking required!

I would like to thank you for the honor of providing you with medical services during the time I began practice in Drayton Valley and Evansburg in October 1987. It is certainly sad to say goodbye, but the medical practice will continue in both sites and we have the fortune of some new doctors to join the practice.

When new doctors open their panels, we encourage you to book a Meet & Greet Appointment as directed by the respective clinic. We are looking into options for the continued coverage of Evansburg Long Term Care facility. I will endeavor to provide you with an extended prescription during the transition period, at your request and where it is appropriate. If you find a doctor outside of the community and wish to have your chart transferred, please request this via a signed chart request from your new clinic.

If you have any questions, please reach out to contact us.

I wish you continued good health and happiness for the future, and it was a pleasure knowing you as a patient.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Michael R. Murphy

To ensure you’re ready when our new doctors arrive, we encourage you to register on the CHR Connect App now and enable notifications. Below, we’ve outlined some of the features, how to set it up, and what you can expect. Let’s get started!

Why Register on CHR Connect Now?

By setting up the CHR Connect App today, you’ll be prepared to:

• Stay Informed: Receive real-time notifications and broadcasts when new doctors arrive and Meet & Greet appointments open.
• Book Easily: Schedule your Meet & Greet or other appointments directly through the app.
• Save Time: Manage your healthcare needs quickly and conveniently from anywhere.

Plus, the app offers secure messaging with your care team and access to your health records—all in one place!

What’s a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet appointment is your chance to:

• Introduce Yourself: Help your new family doctor get to know you.
• Discuss Your Needs: Share your healthcare concerns or questions.
• Onboard Smoothly: Start building a relationship with your new doctor.

How to Setup the CHR Connect App

Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Download the App

• Get the CHR Connect App from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).

1. Create an Account or Log In

• New users: Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple account. (Note: Use the same sign-in method every time.)
• Existing users: Simply log in with your credentials.

1. Link Your In-Clinic Chart

• Enter your legal name (not preferred name), date of birth, and Alberta Health Care Number (no dashes or spaces) to connect your clinic chart to the app.

1. Attach to Shale Medical

• Search for “Shale Medical” in the app and click the “+” sign to add our clinic.

1. Enable Notifications and Broadcasts

• Go to the app’s settings and turn on notifications and broadcasts. This ensures you’ll receive updates about new doctors and appointment availability.

For more detailed guidance, check out the official setup guide from the app developer.

Explore More App Features

Once you’re set up, you can use CHR Connect to:

• Book Same-Day Appointments
• Available from midnight (12 AM) each day for urgent needs. Select “Same Day Clinic” as the reason and type to see available times.
• Book with Any Available Doctor or Medical Resident
• Schedule non-urgent visits up to one month in advance. Choose your reason (e.g., prescription refill, follow-up) and select “Office Visit,” “Medical Resident,” or “Any Available Doctor” based on your needs.
• Manage Family Members
• Add children 12 and younger to a parent’s account. Kids 13+ need their own account with a unique email address.

Need Assistance?

If you run into any questions or need help with setup, we’re here for you! Drop by Shale Medical Clinic, and our staff will do their best to assist you when they’re available.

Please note that the CHR Connect App is provided by TELUS Health and is used by our clinic to facilitate appointment bookings and communication. While we utilize this platform to keep you informed and connected, any technical issues or app-related concerns should be directed to TELUS Health Support.

Don’t Wait – Act Now!

Thank you for being part of our healthcare family! We’re excited to help you connect with your Clinic. Register on the CHR Connect App today and enable notifications. Let’s make your healthcare journey as smooth as possible!

We are pleased to announce that after a successful trial period, the Acute Knee Injury Clinic is expanding its services and now accepting SELF-REFERRALS from clients!

While your health professional or physician can still refer you, it is no longer required to access this service.

To book an appointment, please email:
kneeclinic@shalemedical.ca

Reminder of eligibility criteria:
Recent knee injury within the past 6 weeks (this service does not currently manage chronic knee issues)
Pain at the time of injury or shortly thereafter
Client age under 65 years (older clients are encouraged to see their physician due to more complex needs)
Injury is NOT related to WCB or a workplace event

We look forward to helping you get back on your feet!

#KneeClinic #InjuryCare #NowAcceptingSelfReferrals

With Courtney we are excited to introduce our new Acute Knee Injury Clinic at Shale Medical—a streamlined, comprehensive solution for patients with acute knee injuries. Referred patients will consult with both the Athletic Therapist and the overseeing Physician to develop a diagnostic and management plan.

The service offers:

• Comprehensive Initial Assessments and recovery follow-up appointments
• Thorough Evaluations, including imaging orders when necessary
• Personalized Treatment Plans, featuring bracing and customized rehabilitation programs
• Consultation Reports, referring providers will receive written reports/updates for each visit
• Referral to Specialists, direct referrals from the knee clinic to specialty services when required

Referral Criteria: 

• Clinical Criteria:
  • Acute knee injury within the past 6 weeks,
  • Pain present at time of injury,
  • Age less than 60yrs old
  • Not WCB/MVA related.
• A referral from a clinical provider (such as a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physiotherapist etc) is required. Patient self-referrals are not currently accepted.

The clinic will initially run weekly, with additional days added based on demand. To ensure rapid access, we will target that all new knee injuries will be seen within 1 week.

This service is funded in part by Alberta Health through the “Rural Team Based Grant“. 

Existing and new users will now be redirected to create a Telus Health account, once your account has been created you can add Shale Clinic and begin managing your profile.

https://chrconnect.telushealth.com

Dear patients,

It is with regret that I must inform you that I will be closing my medical practice effective 29 December 2023 due to relocation out of province.

Your medical records will remain in the custody of Shale medical clinic. Your written authorization is required in the event you wish to have a copy of your medical record transferred to another physician at a different clinic location.

I will continue to provide services to all of my patients until Friday 29 December 2023.

Thank you all for the opportunity to be a partner in your medical care, and I extend my best wishes to all of you.

Dr Ryan White.