Westlock has two new doctors to welcome, not just to the town, but to Alberta and Canada.
Natalie and Matthew Do Rego are fresh arrivals on the continent from their native South Africa. The two grew up in Johannesburg, met in medical school at the University of Pretoria and have since immigrated to Canada to pursue their medical careers and lay down roots.
Canada has long been a land of opportunity and Matthew said the move has left the couple with few regrets.
“Everyone’s been incredibly kind, polite, very salt of the earth and good, genuine people,” he said.
“People here are prepared to work hard.”
If anything the only difficult part of the move has been leaving close friends and family behind.
“The biggest struggle, to be honest, is missing our family,” he said.
“We’re very close to our family. Missing Christmas and missing family events is a big thing.”
As for their skills, Natalie has just completed her Canadian assessment in anesthesia. Partnered with her husband’s experience as a surgical assistant, the town has not only gained two new family doctors, but a valuable addition to the hospital’s surgical program.
But the medicine has been the easy part. One of the most intriguing challenges on the pair’s horizons is adapting to Canada’s harsh winters.
While Matthew looks forward to learning how to ski, Natalie has already found amusement in Westlock’s dramatically changing seasons and, most recently, what to do once it finally does snow.
“We arrived here just as it was starting to get cold,” she continued. “Then we saw fall and I really enjoyed the seasons. That’s been beautiful. I’ve now seen proper snow for the first time. Shoveled the driveway today. That was a good experience.”
And although she’s less than certain about the cold weather, her love of medicine will likely outlast her brief infatuation with shoveling the walk.
“I enjoy the challenges of [medicine]. There are always new diseases and new ways to tackle them. You have to keep up with it and that’s quite interesting. It’s always challenging,” she said.
“[Medicine] is always a humbling experience.”
Despite the couple’s wild story, it can be said most that they exude a calm and humble nature.
In fact, one aspect of the move that has the couple especially excited should be familiar to most residents of Westlock and anyone who’s ever pulled up roots: adding that personal touch to the family home.
“I’m really looking forward to being able to settle in and decorate, make it my own place,” she said.
