The Creston Valley Health Working Group is pleased to announce the arrival of two new physicians who will strengthen healthcare services and support the growing needs of residents throughout the Creston Valley.
Dr. Akela Szasz joined Summit Medical Clinic on October 1 and has begun establishing her family practice in the community.
Raised in several countries during her childhood, Dr. Szasz earned her medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland before returning to Canada to complete her residency through the UBC Kootenay Boundary Family Medicine Program. An accomplished athlete, she has represented and won for Canada as a judoka and enjoys hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. She is excited to explore the Creston Valley and the Kootenay region she now calls home.
Dr. Szasz has relocated to Creston through British Columbia’s International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program, a highly competitive initiative that supports internationally educated Canadian family physicians as they transition into practice in B.C. under a two-year mentorship commitment.
The Valley has also welcomed Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Swanson, who recently relocated with her family from Colorado.
Dr. Swanson brings extensive experience in family medicine, obstetrics, and surgical obstetrics. She completed a Fellowship in Rural Family Medicine in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in high-risk obstetrical care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to her clinical experience, Dr. Swanson has served as a medical educator and student liaison, expertise that will complement and strengthen the Valley’s ongoing physician recruitment and training efforts.
As she settles into the community, Dr. Swanson looks forward to establishing her medical practice in a local clinic.
Residents may be interested to know that Dr. Swanson grew up in a town of just 300 people, enjoys singing, hiking, and crocheting, and admits she is far more intimidated by wasps than by public speaking.
Supporting Healthcare Across the Valley
While family practice remains the foundation of local healthcare, Creston Valley physicians provide a broad range of services beyond their office practices. Most local doctors also contribute to 24-hour emergency department coverage, inpatient hospital care, and long-term care services. Additional areas of practice include maternity care, mental health and addiction services, sexual health services, school-based healthcare, yaqan nukiy health services, and participation on regional medical committees and boards.
Information for Residents Seeking a Family Doctor
Residents seeking attachment to a family physician are reminded that individual physician offices do not maintain separate waitlists. A centralized waitlist is used for physician attachment throughout the Creston area.
Individuals looking for a family doctor should register through the provincial Health Connect Registry HERE
Residents without internet access can register by calling 8-1-1 for assistance. Registration requires a BC Services Card number and the dates of birth for all family members seeking attachment.
The Creston Valley Health Working Group respectfully asks residents not to contact clinics directly or approach physicians and their families in public regarding patient intake. Once registered, individuals will retain their place on the centralized waitlist and will be contacted by the appropriate clinic when an opportunity becomes available.
The Creston Valley Health Working Group is funded by the Town of Creston and Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Areas B and C.