Skagway’s new Dahl Memorial Clinic Executive Director, Albert Wall, arrived on Tuesday’s ferry with his truck and dog, named Loki.
Born and raised in Juneau, Wall served four years as deputy commissioner for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. He recently returned home to rest and be near family.
Wall: “I really have taken the last six months off. The pandemic as deputy about killed me. It was the most tiring, excruciating process.”
It was while he was recuperating that Wall heard about the vacancy at Dahl.
Wall: “…so, I’ve been waiting for a health clinic to open up in Southeast Alaska for a director, because that’s my background. That’s what I do professionally. And I don’t want to leave home anymore.”
Wall served in the army as a chaplain for 23 years. He was called to active duty after 9/11. He has a master’s degree in psychology and divinity. And for those wondering if he can survive in a small town, Wall once lived in Glennallen, which boasted a population of 192 in 2016.
Wall is hoping to buy some land, the rockier the better. He wants to build a timber frame house with stone walls.
He’s already planning for Loki to participate in pack walks with Mo Mountain Mutt’s. According to Wall, the three-year-old blue heeler uses buttons to express “yes” and “no.” Wall said he took away the “outside” button because it was getting overused.
Wall said the biggest hurdle currently facing the clinic is provider staffing.
Wall: “…it’s really hard to find full-time qualified personnel. I know I’m saying something everybody knows. But I think one of the biggest challenges will be coming up with a creative method to permanently fill those slots. I know. And I believe with all my heart that out there somewhere, there’s a doc who wants this. And it is my job to find them.”
The new director also plans to expand mental health, prescription and dental services.
