BARRHEAD – Married doctors Ogechukwu Graham Nwobe and Amarachi Acholonu-Nwobe wanted to know what people and life were like on the other side of the world.
And they wanted to do it first-hand, so they decided to pack up their young family and move from Nigeria to Canada.
"We were curious about who was on the other side of the world. And we heard good things about Canada, so if not Canada, where else?" Ogechukwu told the Leader last week at the Barrhead Medical Centre after the couple had finished seeing patients for the day.
Amarachi added that they were also ready for a change. The couple met while completing their post-graduate studies at a hospital.
This is quite a "big" change, she said, adding the first thing they noticed was the weather. More specifically, the temperature.
"When we landed in Calgary, it was really, really cold. It was quite a shock coming from a tropical country," she said.
Ogechukwu added they arrived in Calgary in mid-November, in winter.
Ogechukwu said when they decided to immigrate, Immigration and Citizenship Canada presented them with numerous possibilities of where they would like to settle.
Not knowing much about Canada, Ogechukwu said they basically "closed their eyes, pointed to the map and selected Alberta because it started with an A."
The couple said adjusting to life in Canada was difficult, not just because of the weather but getting used to a different culture.
"It was a big transition for us," Ogechukwu said.
He added that although they eventually became acclimatized to the weather, it did not take them long to realize that November in Calgary is not winter.
They also said that the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) helped make the transition easier.
AIMGA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping medical professionals who come to the province from overseas integrate and become part of their communities. The association also helped Ogechukwu and Amarachi prepare for their medical certification exams.
Amarachi said it is a long and involved process with no set timeline.
"It is different for every individual when they are ready to take the exams, and they are not always available when you are," she said.
Ogechukwu said they also reached out to other recent immigrants and compared their shared experiences.
After completing their exams, they both had to undergo a practicum period (the readiness assessment), where already certified Canadian doctors evaluated their skills and abilities.
Ogechukwu said they were fortunate to be able to both do their practicum together in Westlock.
"We were not sure if it would be possible, and we were preparing ourselves for the potential that we might be separated," he said.
The couple may still be separated temporarily when Ogechukwu undergoes his obstetrics certification, which he will do in Wetaskiwin starting next month.
As for what attracted them to Barrhead, they said one of the big drawing cards was its proximity to Edmonton.
"A small community is OK and is a good place to raise a family and have a career," Ogechukwu said, adding that they wanted to be close enough to a city to take advantage of what it can offer. "Barrhead checks those boxes. It is a place where we can pursue our dreams and aspirations."
He added the process of choosing what community might be a good fit can be overwhelming, noting there are currently upwards of 400 doctor vacancies across the province.
"But you do your research, narrow down your selections. You don't want to have too many choices, because I think that just confuses you," he said, adding Barrhead was the only community they chose to tour.
"Our four-year-old just celebrated his birthday two days ago (April 17), his first in Barrhead," Amarachi said.
Amarachi started practicing on April 5, while Ogechukwu started later on April 14 but the couple have been in Barrhead for about a month.
"It's been good," Ogechukwu said, adding their children seem to be making the transition seamlessly, noting they are excited to go to school every day.
"We are excited to be here, and we look forward to serving the community and its residents with their medical needs," Amarachi said.
For those residents still looking for a family doctor, both Amarachi and Ogechukwu are taking new patients. For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Barrhead Medical Centre at 780-674-2246.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
