South West is best after Consultant’s world-wide career

After a lifetime of caring for people across the globe, Consultant Geriatrician Dr Asangaedem Akpan thinks South West is best.

Dr Akpan has worked in major health systems in the United Kingdom and United States, completed an international healthcare fellowship, and now calls country WA and Bunbury Regional Hospital home.

Born in Poland to a Nigerian father and Polish mother, Dr Akpan moved to Nigeria when he was just three years old.

Later in life, he made the journey to the United Kingdom where he began a postgraduate training program in general and geriatric medicine.

Crossing continents once again, during his appointment as a consultant, Dr Akpan took part in an international Institute of Healthcare Improvement Fellowship spending a year in the United States.

Then, in October 2023, Dr Akpan was on his way to Western Australia.

A lifelong learner, he visited many of WA Country Health Service’s sites, before settling at Bunbury Regional Hospital. He said the hospital is his favourite place to work.

“I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the Australian healthcare system and how the delivery of medicine in a rural setting differs from that of metropolitan hospitals,” Dr Akpan said.

And Dr Akpan is already taking advantage of the work-life balance country WA offers. On his LinkedIn he frequently shares pictures of his evening sunset walks, weekend sailing adventures and morning coastal strolls.

“I am embedding myself into my new community,” he said.

“Learning how to sail, hiking and exploring all the South West has to offer.”

Director Bunbury Regional Hospital Jeff Calver said: “We’re pleased to welcome Dr Akpan to Bunbury Regional Hospital.

“We’re incredibly proud of the service we provide to the community and Dr Akpan’s world-class skills are another example of our work to bolster the country health workforce.

“We are thankful to have Dr Akpan working with us and know South West communities will benefit from his experience, compassion and dedication.”

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