IFHS Clinic's Medical Director Steps Down
Thursday, April 18 2013
The Iliuliuk Family and Health Services clinic will lose its medical director this summer. Rebecca Stroklund has resigned, and will formally leave her job at the end of July.
Stroklund couldn't be reached for comment. According to clinic director Eileen Scott, Stroklund is leaving to relocate closer to friends and family in the Lower 48. She’s the clinic’s only doctor and Scott says finding a replacement will likely be challenging.
"It’s rural community health and they’re dealing with multiple populations, as well as language barriers," Scott says. "And you see many different diseases here that you don’t see in the Lower 48, because of the population."
The new doctor would probably have family practice experience, but Scott says they should be comfortable with other kinds of medicine, too: "Preferably some emergency medicine skills as well, and people who are sharp on their skill sets and can handle any kind of situation."
Ideally, Scott says the clinic would hire a new doctor before Stroklund leaves this summer. But the search will probably take about six months, which means there won’t be a doctor on staff for a while. Scott says that shouldn’t discourage patients from visiting the clinic.
"Physician and specialist capability is five minutes from us on the telephone," she says. "And between our providers -- their skill sets are exceptional. So we’re not concerned medically about taking care of the community."
Scott says she welcomes input on the medical director search from the community.
Just Saying on Friday, April 19 2013:
There is something to be said when this island, let alone the clinic, cannot keep doctors. We have lost many that were qualified and more experienced, in many ways, than the doctor’s, PA’s etc. we currently have and will be left with once Stroklund leaves. In fact, if I remember correctly, it was because of Stroklund, that this island lost Dr. Culver. Dr. Culver was a well versed doctor, with many new and not so new ideas that this island, its community members, and clinic needed. Due to the lack of forward thinking, we lost many doctor’s and PA’s that were well liked such as Basham, Baines, and again Dr. Culver to name a few, and who were respected, and really had the “skill set” necessary to provide more than adequate care.
Scott you want some ideas? How about getting Dr. Culver back? How about getting a doctor(s) who is truly concerned about the community’s health and welfare, which is “skilled” in operating some the basic equipment here such as an ultra-sound. How about a doctor who has preventative care ideas and solutions? I don’t know about the rest of the community, but I and tired of reactionary care---then being shipped off to Anchorage. How about someone with the basic skills, knowledge and forward thinking that can recognize when emergency equipment is in need of replacement or purchased.
I for one am afraid of the care, attitude, and “skill set” of people we have here currently. I hope you and Hudson will really, really look hard for someone that can lead the people you have left. Lord knows they need help. Just saying…………..
James Mason on Friday, April 19 2013:
We see many different diseases here that they don't see in the lower 48? Like what? Island fever?