The Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is adding a third surgeon to its roster.

Dr. Alex Bressan and his family arrived in Fort McMurray in August.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Bressan and his family to our community,” says Dr. Mowaffaq Almikhlafi, the hospital’s Facility Medical Director.

“We recognized the need for adding a third general surgeon in order to maintain the level of access needed to meet the growing demand for general surgical procedures in Fort McMurray. We look forward to adding his expertise to the Wood Buffalo community.”

The extra surgeon is expected to help reduce wait times and the number of people having to travel out of town.

“This is wonderful news for this region,” says Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche.

“Dr. Bressan’s skills are a great addition to the medical team in Fort McMurray and the addition of a new general surgeon will allow more healthcare closer to home.”

The surgeon completed his specialty training in Calgary, and earned his medical degree and residency in his home country of Brazil.