Specialist care for a
healthier, longer life.
Medal of Excellence and Achievement in Rural/Remote Medicine — 2025
Excellence in
Internal Medicine
Sunshine Specialty Medical Care is a physician-led clinic providing specialist-level internal medicine to patients referred from family physicians and walk-in clinics across Central Alberta.
We focus on comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex medical conditions — with a commitment to timely access, clear communication, and evidence-based care.
Operating within the AHS Central Zone, we serve patients across Drumheller, Hanna, Stettler, and the Alberta Badlands.
What We Offer
Internal Medicine
Comprehensive assessment and management of complex, multi-system conditions by an Internal Medicine specialist.
Chronic & Complex Disease Management
Ongoing specialist care for COPD, diabetes, liver disease, heart failure, thyroid disorders, and other long-term conditions.
Cardiovascular Care
ECG, Holter monitoring, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure assessment with specialist interpretation.
Diagnostic Services
Pulmonary function testing, spirometry, and advanced diagnostic workup, arranged through our clinic and our partners at the Healthy Heart Institute.
Patient-Centred Care
Clear communication and coordinated treatment with your referring physician.
Specialist Diagnostic Services
ECG — Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity through small leads placed on the chest and limbs. Our 12-lead resting ECG with specialist interpretation assesses heart rhythm, signs of reduced blood flow (ischemia), conduction abnormalities, and structural changes.
Holter Monitor
A small wearable recorder that tracks every heartbeat continuously for 24–48 hours while you go about your normal day. Used to investigate palpitations, skipped or racing beats, unexplained dizziness or fainting, and to catch intermittent rhythm problems — such as atrial fibrillation — that a brief office ECG can miss.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
A portable cuff measures your blood pressure automatically every 20–30 minutes over a full 24 hours, awake and asleep. Far more accurate than single office readings — it identifies white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension, and overnight pressure patterns, and guides whether treatment should be started or adjusted.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Spirometry and full lung function testing measure how much air you can move and how effectively your lungs work. Used to diagnose and monitor asthma, COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and interstitial lung disease, and to assess unexplained shortness of breath.
Echocardiography
An ultrasound scan of the heart. Specialist interpretation assesses the heart’s pumping strength, valve function, chamber sizes, and evidence of heart failure — with no radiation involved.
Carotid Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries in the neck to detect plaque buildup or narrowing (stenosis). An important assessment after a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), and for evaluating overall cardiovascular risk.
Your Specialist Physician
Dr. Abdul Mateer
Board-certified internist with fellowship training. Expertise in cardiovascular risk, complex chronic disease, and diagnostic medicine. Practising at Drumheller Health Centre and Sunshine Specialty Medical Care.
In Partnership with Healthy Heart Institute — Red Deer
Sunshine Specialty Medical Care works in partnership with the Healthy Heart Institute (Red Deer, Alberta) to bring specialist cardiac and respiratory diagnostics to Drumheller — including echocardiography, stress testing, and pulmonary function testing — without the drive to a major centre. The Healthy Heart Institute team also provides specialist consultations.
Dr. Gustavo Nogareda
Dr. Stephen Tilley
Dr. Luc A. Benoit
Dr. Jeff Pimm
Dr. Greg Searles
Dr. Ahmad Shoaib
Dr. Robinder Sidhu
Our Clinic Staff
The team that keeps Sunshine Specialty Medical Care running — reception, nursing, and diagnostics.
Sintia Rodrigues
Sintia has been a valued member of Sunshine Specialty Medical Care since 2021. She plays an integral role in our clinic, performing cardiac diagnostic testing, including ECGs, Holter monitoring, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In addition, she supports the day-to-day operations of the clinic, helping ensure that patients and referring physicians receive efficient, organized, and compassionate care. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to patient service make her an essential part of our team.
Clinic Forms
For referring physicians and patients. Open a form to view and print it, or download a copy. Completed requisitions should be sent by fax to (403) 823-6730. To protect patient privacy, please do not send completed forms or personal health information by email. General inquiries: office@ssmc.ca.
Clinic Updates & Career Opportunities
Announcements
Career Opportunities
Clinic
Information
Serving Drumheller, Hanna, Stettler, Strathmore, and the Alberta Badlands.
Phone
(403) 821-5334
Fax: (403) 823-6730
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Referrals
Accepted from all family physicians across Central Alberta.
How to Book
Patients
Appointments are arranged by physician referral. Ask your family physician or walk-in clinic to refer you, then call us to confirm scheduling.
Referring Physicians
Fax referrals to (403) 823-6730. Please include current medications, relevant labs, and recent ECG or imaging where applicable.
Questions
Our staff are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Please do not send personal health information by email or unsecured electronic messaging. For medical emergencies, call 911.