First Filipino Immigrant-Owned Health Clinic Opens in Canada

One of the major challenge for a foreigner in any country is the language barrier and this is no different for the 36,000 Filipinos in Edmonton City. No matter how well-versed a Filipino is in speaking English, it is still easier to converse in their native language.

According to Rhianna Charchuk, a researcher in the University of Alberta, language barrier is one of the challenges for immigrants to access health-care. “There’s just a lot of confusion with how to access the health-care system,” Charchuk said. “Just trying to figure out how to find a family doctor, where to go.”

Fortunately for the Filipinos in Edmonton City, a Filipino-owned health clinic opened its doors last Saturday. The Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy, owned by Kris Salumbides, can be located in South Edmonton. This clinic consists of Filipino staff which breaks down the language barrier and allows Filipinos to be more comfortable speaking in their native tongue.

“I know as a Filipino migrant myself … that I would be more comfortable talking to a Filipino physician,” Salumbides said. “It’s nice when they speak our language.”

Since its soft-launch on June 19, each of Salumbides’ doctors see at least 45 patients a day which is at par with other clinics in the area and within the 48 patients a day maximum that the Alberta Medical Association recommends. Whilst there is no word yet on if they will implement medical appointment scheduling software to allow patients online access to book appointments, the clinic is certainly managing to reach out to the local Filipino community. With his staff almost reaching the maximum number of patients per day, he is hoping to hire three more physicians to the team, Filipino or not.

Dr. Joel San Agustin, who practiced in the Philippines and in the UK as a Nurse, joined Medicum. “I’m very grateful for everything” said the Doctor who moved to Canada with his family in June of 215. His special interest includes pallaitive medicine and mental health.

Visit their clinic @

Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy
Address: 1536 91 St SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0W8
Phone: (780) 757-7713
Province: Alberta

Source: FB of Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy