Finding a doctor who speaks your native language can be critical to receiving quality medical care, especially when it comes to complex medical issues, describing symptoms, or understanding a diagnosis and treatment plan. For Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking residents of Edmonton, access to medical services in their native language is a particularly pressing issue, as language barriers can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment. Fortunately, there are various ways to obtain medical care in Ukrainian or Russian in Edmonton and the province of Alberta, including doctors who speak these languages, professional medical interpreters, as well as multilingual medical clinics and support services for Ukrainian-speaking newcomers.
Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors in Edmonton
There are several doctors practicing in Edmonton and the surrounding area who are fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, allowing patients to communicate with medical professionals directly, without the need for interpreters. Although the number of such doctors is limited compared to the number of English-speaking specialists, they represent various specialties and work in different clinics throughout the city.
Russian-speaking family doctors include several specialists who see patients at various clinics in Edmonton. One of the most well-known is Dr. Natalia Mishchenko (also spelled Natalia Anatolievna Mishchenko), who practices at Callingwood Crossing Medical Clinic at 6905 172 Street Northwest, Edmonton. Dr. Mishchenko is fluent in Russian and specializes in family medicine. However, according to information from online groups and forums, she is not currently accepting new regular patients, but it is possible to make a one-time appointment with her as a walk-in patient.
Another Russian-speaking doctor, Dr. Aysel Auer, works at Millbourne Mall Medical Centre at Suite 115, Millbourne Market Mall, 7609 38 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Dr. Auer specializes in pediatrics and has over 10 years of experience working in Canada, having come from Russia and completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Alberta in 2009-2013. She is fluent in English and Russian, making her a valuable resource for Russian-speaking families with children.
Dr. Alexandra Marin is another doctor who speaks both Ukrainian and Russian and specializes in family medicine. According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), Dr. Marin is registered as a doctor who speaks English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and is a female doctor in the field of family medicine. However, according to data from online forums of the Russian-speaking community in 2015, Dr. Marin was not accepting new patients at that time, so it is worth checking her current status before contacting her.
Dr. Tamara Volkovinskaia is a family physician who speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Dr. Volkovinskaia practices in Edmonton and has extensive experience with Alberta Health and Wellness. According to various medical directories, she is located at 1100 Youville Drive West NW, Edmonton. Dr. Volkovinskaia was recognized by the Alberta College of Family Physicians in 2008 for her contributions to family medicine. She emphasizes preventive medicine, including developing personalized vaccination plans, cancer screening, and cardiovascular risk assessments.
Dr. Jaswinder (Jas) Singh, who practices at Connect Care Medical in Edmonton, is fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, as well as Russian and Ukrainian. The clinic is located in Edmonton, and Dr. Singh sees patients at Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6T 1B1. His multilingualism makes him particularly valuable to Edmonton's multicultural communities.
Savera Medical Centre is another clinic in Edmonton that has multilingual staff, including employees who speak English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Russian. This allows Russian-speaking patients to receive medical care in a comfortable language environment, even if the doctors themselves do not always speak Russian, the administrative and nursing staff can assist with communication.
How to find Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors
Finding a doctor who speaks your native language may seem like a daunting task, but there are several effective ways to find Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking medical professionals in Edmonton.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Physician Directory is an official online directory of all doctors licensed to practice in Alberta. The directory allows you to search for doctors by various criteria, including location, specialization, and, importantly, the languages they speak. The system has an advanced filter called “Language Other than English,” which includes options for searching for doctors who speak Ukrainian or Russian. To use this tool, visit search.cpsa.ca, enter “Edmonton” in the location field, select “Family Medicine” or another specialty in the “Practice Discipline” field, and then select ‘Ukrainian’ or “Russian” from the drop-down list of languages.
Alberta Find a Doctor is a provincial search tool created by Primary Care Networks to help Alberta residents find primary care physicians who are accepting new patients. The platform allows you to search for clinics and doctors by location and includes a language filter. The filter includes both Ukrainian and Russian among the available languages, allowing you to find clinics with multilingual staff or doctors who speak these languages. The tool also shows whether the clinic is accepting new patients, offers online booking, virtual appointments, walk-in services, and other important features.
Social networks and online communities are an extremely useful resource for finding Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors in Edmonton. Facebook groups such as Ukrainians Edmonton, East European Communities in Canada, and other Russian-speaking groups regularly discuss health and medical care issues, and members actively share recommendations for doctors who speak their native languages. In these groups, you can ask direct questions about Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctors, and members usually share relevant information, including doctors' names, clinic addresses, phone numbers, and personal experiences with these specialists.
Personal recommendations from the Ukrainian and Russian communities in Edmonton are also a valuable source of information. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) regularly publishes information about resources for Ukrainian-speaking newcomers, including medical services. Although the UCC-APC does not maintain an official list of Ukrainian-speaking doctors, the organization can refer you to relevant resources and communities that can assist in your search.
Professional medical interpreters and interpretation services
If you cannot find a doctor who speaks Ukrainian or Russian, or if a Ukrainian/Russian-speaking doctor is not accepting new patients, professional medical interpreters are an excellent alternative to ensure quality communication with your English-speaking doctor. Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Primary Care Networks provide access to professional medical interpreters for patients who speak limited English or are deaf or hard of hearing.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Interpretation Services offers professional medical interpretation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 240 languages for patients at all AHS facilities. For Primary Care Network doctors and AHS staff, access to these services is free, and interpretation can be obtained by phone in real time. If you need an interpreter during a visit to a doctor at an AHS hospital or clinic, ask your doctor or nurse to call the interpretation service at 1-833-955-2171. An interpreter will join the phone call and help you communicate with the medical staff in Ukrainian or Russian.
It is important to note that AHS only provides interpretation services to patients receiving care at AHS facilities, which means that translation services at family doctors or community clinics may not be available through the AHS system. However, many family doctors and clinics may have their own arrangements with private translation services or may be able to arrange an interpreter for you upon request.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) provides free translation and interpretation services to eligible clients. EISA's Language Bank offers certified translations of basic documents needed for immediate settlement, educational, and professional purposes, such as diplomas, birth/marriage/death/divorce certificates, as well as interpretation services in the client's native language to assist with appointments at government and other organizations. To take advantage of these services, call EISA at (780) 474-8445 and ask to be connected to Language Bank staff.
CanTalk (Canada) Inc. is a Canadian company with over 25 years of experience providing fast translation and interpretation services in over 200 languages and dialects, including Ukrainian and Russian. CanTalk offers immediate services by phone 24/7/365, and most interpreters are available in less than a minute. The company works with healthcare facilities, businesses, and organizations in Edmonton and across Canada, providing interpretation for individual clients and community organizations. Translation and interpretation services can be provided in person, by phone, or via videoconference.
Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre (MMHRC) provides information on various interpretation services across Canada, including Alberta. Although the MMHRC is based in British Columbia, their website contains useful links to interpretation services in other provinces that may be helpful to Edmonton residents seeking professional interpreters for medical or mental health services.
Psychologists, Therapists, and Mental Health Counselors
In addition to family doctors and specialists, Edmonton also has psychologists, therapists, and mental health counselors who speak Ukrainian and Russian, which is especially important for effective therapy and counseling, where language nuances and cultural context play a critical role.
Petro Palykhata is a Registered Psychologist (MA, RPsych) in Edmonton who is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. He offers online or in-person counseling and specializes in client-centered, respectful, results-oriented therapy. Petro works with adults, adolescents, couples, and families, helping with a wide range of mental health issues and interpersonal conflicts. He can be reached at (587) 317-6211.
Elena Kuzmina is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC, RP(Q), CCC, MACP, MSc) in Edmonton who offers sessions in English or Russian for $140 per session. Elena uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches and helps clients better understand themselves and their needs, and improve their relationships with others and themselves. She also offers couples therapy based on proven communication and interaction techniques. Elena can be reached at (438) 901-8381.
Hanna Zavrazhyna is a clinical social worker/therapist (MSW, RSW, PhD) who offers services online. Hanna has extensive experience working with people facing complex issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, substance use disorders, and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD support. She can be reached at (825) 250-3318.
Hanna Brechka is a Registered Social Worker (MSW, BA) in Edmonton with a master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Calgary and experience working with people facing complex challenges. Hanna works with issues related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, domestic violence, and more. She can be reached at (587) 418-4439.
Olga Yakovlyeva is a psychologist (Psychologist, RPsych, MACP, CSW) in Edmonton who works with Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking clients. At the time of publication, she had a waiting list for new clients. She can be reached at (825) 250-3394.
Sasha Simcisin is a psychologist (Psychologist, MC) in Edmonton who works with clients of all ages and focuses on helping each client thrive emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually. He listens attentively to stories of trauma, loss, grief, loneliness, complex family dynamics, as well as moments filled with purpose, hope, and happiness. He can be reached by phone at (587) 778-9576.
Psychology Today has a specialized directory of therapists and psychologists in Edmonton who speak Ukrainian and Russian. The platform allows you to filter therapists by language, specialization, type of therapy, and other criteria, making it a convenient tool for finding a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking mental health professional.
Ukrainian organizations and support resources in Edmonton
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton has a rich history and a strong organizational structure that provides a variety of support to newcomers, including information about medical services and access to Ukrainian-speaking resources.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) is the leading organization representing the interests of the Ukrainian-speaking community in Alberta. The UCC-APC regularly publishes information about health insurance, access to health services, and other important resources for Ukrainian-speaking newcomers, including those who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. On their Facebook and Instagram pages, you can find a series of posts about health insurance after CUAET, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage, and alternative insurance options.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Support for Ukraine is a special website created by Alberta Health Services to support Ukrainian evacuees in Alberta. The website is available in English, Ukrainian, and Russian and contains information about health services and resources for Ukrainian evacuees, including information on how to obtain an Alberta Health Card, how to find a doctor, and how to get medical advice and mental health support. The site also has information about the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program (UETHBP), which provided coverage for medical services for Ukrainian evacuees until March 31, 2025.
Health Link Alberta (811) is a provincial health information line that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides medical advice and information. When you call 811, you can ask for an interpreter, and translation services are available in Ukrainian and Russian. Health Link can help you with non-emergency medical questions, provide information about symptoms, advise you on whether you need to see a doctor or go to the Emergency Room, and refer you to the appropriate medical resources.
Alberta Supports Contact Centre provides information and support in Ukrainian and over 100 other languages. The centre is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (closed on holidays), and can help with questions about provincial health benefits or financial assistance for Ukrainian evacuees. Call toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta) or TTY: 1-800-855-0511 (for the deaf and hard of hearing).
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress also maintains the Ukraine Safe Haven resource, which contains frequently asked questions (FAQs) about life in Canada for Ukrainian newcomers, including information about medical services, insurance, and access to doctors. The resource is available in Ukrainian and contains links to useful tools such as Alberta Find a Doctor.
Challenges in finding Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors
Despite the presence of some Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors in Edmonton, there are a number of challenges that patients face when seeking medical care in their native language.
The limited number of Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors is the main challenge. Compared to the number of English-speaking doctors, the number of specialists who speak Ukrainian or Russian is significantly lower. This means that even if you find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor, there is a high probability that he or she is not accepting new patients or has a long waiting list.
Most Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors do not accept new regular patients, making it impossible to establish a long-term relationship with a family doctor who speaks your native language. However, many of these doctors accept patients for one-time walk-in appointments, which can be helpful for non-emergency medical issues that require consultation in your native language.
Geographic location can also be an issue. Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors may practice in different areas of Edmonton, and if the clinic is located far from where you live, this can make it difficult to access medical care, especially if you do not have your own transportation.
The lack of a centralized database of Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors makes the search more difficult. Although the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has a language search function, not all doctors update their language proficiency information, and some doctors may speak Ukrainian or Russian but do not indicate this in their profile. This means that the best source of information is often personal recommendations from other community members through social networks and online forums.
Language barriers in administrative processes can also be a problem. Even if you find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor, the clinic's administrative staff may not speak your language, which can complicate the process of booking appointments, filling out forms, or discussing financial issues. Some clinics, such as Savera Medical Centre, have multilingual staff, including Russian-speaking employees, which helps to solve this problem.
Alternative solutions for overcoming language barriers
If you cannot find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor, or if such doctors are not available in your area, there are a number of alternative solutions for overcoming language barriers and ensuring quality medical care.
Virtual medicine using interpreters can be an effective solution. Many virtual medicine platforms, such as Maple, TELUS Health MyCare, Rocket Doctor, and Tia Health, allow you to connect an interpreter to a video consultation or phone call with a doctor. While the doctors themselves may not speak Ukrainian or Russian, a professional medical interpreter can ensure accurate and effective communication between you and the doctor.
Private medical translation services are also available in Edmonton. Companies such as CanTalk, JR Language Translation Services, Languages In Motion, and others offer professional medical translators and interpreters to accompany you to medical appointments. These services are usually fee-based but may be covered by private insurance through your employer or may be arranged through community organizations for eligible clients.
A family member or friend who speaks English can accompany you to medical appointments and act as an informal interpreter. Although this is not an ideal solution, as family members may not have medical knowledge or it may be uncomfortable to discuss certain intimate medical issues, it can be a useful temporary solution until you find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor or professional interpreter.
Preparing before your doctor's appointment can greatly facilitate communication, even if your English is limited. Before your appointment, write down your symptoms in Ukrainian or Russian, then use online translators such as Google Translate to translate them into English. Prepare a list of your medications with their exact names, a list of allergies, and previous medical diagnoses. Visual aids, such as photos of rashes or other visible symptoms, can also help the doctor understand your problem without the need for detailed verbal explanations.
Using medical dictionaries and phrasebooks in Ukrainian-English or Russian-English can be a useful tool. There are specialized medical dictionaries and apps that contain medical terminology and phrases that are often used during medical appointments. This can help you better understand what your doctor is saying and explain your symptoms more accurately.
English courses for medical situations are offered by many organizations for newcomers to Edmonton. The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) and other settlement agencies offer free or low-cost English courses, including specialized programs that focus on medical terminology and situations. Learning basic medical English can greatly improve your ability to communicate with doctors and medical staff.
The importance of cultural competence in healthcare
In addition to language barriers, the cultural competence of healthcare professionals also plays an important role in the quality of healthcare for Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking patients. Doctors who understand the cultural characteristics, expectations, and beliefs of their patients can provide more effective and sensitive care.
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) and other organizations have identified the lack of cultural interpretation, awareness, and understanding of diverse health beliefs and expectations between provider and client during interactions as one of the main challenges for newcomers trying to access healthcare. Recommendations include training providers in cultural competence, providing health promotion information in a culturally sensitive manner, and providing cultural brokers/interpreters.
Physicians who are themselves from Ukraine or Russia, or who have experience working with Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking communities, often have a better understanding of the cultural nuances that can influence healthcare. For example, some Ukrainian and Russian patients may have different expectations about the role of the physician, directness of communication, or approaches to treatment based on their experience with the health care system in their country of origin. Physicians who understand these cultural differences can better adapt their communication and treatment approaches to the patient's needs.
Medical care for Ukrainian evacuees
Ukrainians who have arrived in Alberta under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program have access to special medical programs and support. Although the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program (UETHBP) and Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) ended on March 31, 2025, Ukrainian evacuees who remain in Alberta can register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) and receive basic health coverage just like all other Alberta residents.
For Ukrainian evacuees aged 65 and older, the Coverage for Seniors Program is available, which provides free coverage for prescription drugs and other medical services. Ukrainian evacuees who were registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan before March 31, 2025, are automatically enrolled in the Coverage for Seniors program as of April 1, 2025, and will receive a Coverage for Seniors card in the mail.
For Ukrainian evacuees under the age of 65, there are various options for extended medical coverage, including the Non-Group Coverage plan, a government program for Alberta residents who do not have access to medical insurance through their employer or do not qualify for low-income programs. Ukrainian evacuees may also consider private insurance through an employer or other commercial plans.
Medical examinations for immigration are mandatory for Ukrainian evacuees who plan to stay in Canada for more than six months. These examinations must be performed by panel physicians approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A list of panel physicians is available on the IRCC website.
Mental health and trauma for Ukrainian newcomers
Many Ukrainian newcomers, especially those who have been evacuated due to the war, may have mental health support needs and may be experiencing trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Alberta Health Services provides specialized information and support for Ukrainian evacuees with mental health issues.
The Mental Health Help Line is available at 1-877-303-2642 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Translation services are available in Ukrainian and Russian. The line can provide information about mental health resources, counseling, and support for individuals experiencing mental or emotional difficulties.
AHS has also developed a special Host Home resource package, available in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, with information about health care options, including helplines, online support, government resources, and dental services for Ukrainian evacuees. The package also contains information about common conditions in the Ukrainian population, mental health issues, trauma that evacuees may have experienced, and some public health issues, such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, which is prevalent in Ukraine.
Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking psychologists and therapists in Edmonton, such as Petro Palykhata, Elena Kuzmina, Hanna Zavrazhyna, and others, can provide culturally sensitive mental health support for Ukrainian and Russian-speaking clients experiencing trauma, stress, or other emotional difficulties. Working with a therapist who speaks your native language and understands your cultural context can be extremely helpful for effective therapy and recovery.
Practical tips for finding a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor
For those actively looking for a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor in Edmonton, here are some practical tips that may help in your search:
Start with an online search through official channels. Use the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Physician Directory and Alberta Find a Doctor to search for doctors by language. Even if the results are limited, these platforms provide official and up-to-date information about licensed doctors in Alberta.
Join Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking communities on social media. Facebook groups such as “Ukrainians in Edmonton,” “East European Communities in Canada,” and others are an invaluable source of information about Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking doctors. Don't be shy about asking questions and requesting recommendations — community members are usually very helpful and willing to share their experiences.
Contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC). Although the UCC-APC does not maintain an official list of Ukrainian-speaking doctors, the organization can refer you to relevant resources and assist with your search.
Contact the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA). EISA provides a variety of services for newcomers, including information on accessing health care and free interpretation services. EISA staff may have information about Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctors or can help arrange an interpreter for you.
Be prepared for long waiting lists. Even if you find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor, be prepared for the possibility that he or she may not be accepting new regular patients. In this case, ask if you can make a one-time walk-in appointment or if there is a waiting list for new patients.
Consider virtual consultations with an interpreter. If you cannot find a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor in your area, virtual medical platforms can be a good alternative, especially when using professional medical interpreters.
Don't overlook psychologists and therapists. If you have mental health issues or are experiencing trauma, Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking psychologists and therapists in Edmonton can provide specialized support.
Learn basic medical English. Even if you plan to work with a Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking doctor, knowing basic medical English will be helpful for filling out forms, communicating with administrative staff, and understanding medical instructions.
Use Health Link (811) for urgent questions. If you have a medical question and need advice but cannot reach your doctor, call 811 and ask for a Ukrainian or Russian interpreter.
Finding a Ukrainian or Russian-speaking doctor in Edmonton can take effort and patience, but with the right resources, community support, and the use of professional interpreters, you can ensure quality healthcare for yourself and your family. The Ukrainian and Russian communities in Edmonton are active and supportive, and many resources are available to help newcomers navigate the Canadian healthcare system in their native language. Whether it's finding a Ukrainian-speaking doctor, using professional medical interpreters, or connecting with community organizations that provide support, there are many ways to overcome language barriers and get the medical care that meets your needs.