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Alberta has reached a record high in the number of fully registered physicians working in the province, with new statistics showing significant growth in both family medicine and specialist care.

According to newly released data from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, the province had 14,156 fully registered physicians as of June 30—an increase of 1,226 physicians, or nearly 10 per cent, compared with the same time last year.

The increase represents the largest year-over-year growth in Alberta's physician numbers on record.

“More physicians than ever before are choosing Alberta,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services. “These numbers show that our investments to attract and retain health professionals are delivering results and helping improve access to care for Albertans across the province.”

Physician numbers increased in every health zone over the past year, including the North, Central and South zones, as well as Calgary and Edmonton.

Calgary added 446 physicians, while Edmonton added 356. The province said the growth outside Alberta's two largest cities is also helping strengthen healthcare capacity in communities across the province.

The government says the increase in the physician workforce is creating more options for Albertans seeking care. Physicians provide services through walk-in clinics, urgent care centres and other community-based practices. Many clinics in larger urban centres offer same-day appointments, while some are accepting new patients for ongoing care.

“More physicians are choosing Alberta, helping improve access to care in communities across the province,” said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “We’ll continue working with our partners to train, recruit and retain more physicians.”

The province gained approximately 510 family physicians over the past year. More than 1,000 primary care providers and nurse practitioners are currently accepting new patients, while more than 88 per cent of Albertans report having access to a primary care provider.

Alberta's government says it is continuing to invest in physician recruitment, training, compensation and retention.

Budget 2026 provided a record $7.7 billion for those areas in 2026-27, an increase of $1.4 billion from Budget 2025. In June, the government also announced a $172.3-million increase in physician compensation under the 2022-26 master agreement with the Alberta Medical Association.

The province says the growing physician workforce, combined with expanding care options, is helping build a stronger and more accessible healthcare system for Albertans in communities across the province.

(Source: Government of Alberta)