2025 Rhapsody Award recipients honoured for excellence in rural healthcare

The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Rhapsody Awards, which honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to rural healthcare in Alberta. These awards celebrate the vital contributions of healthcare professionals and community members working to strengthen care in rural communities across the province. ‍

Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award: Chantal Crawford
‍Chantal Crawford, is this year’s 2025 Rhapsody Healthcare Hero Award recipient. Crawford is a registered nurse and site manager of the Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre, Alberta. She “walks the talk” when it comes to further education and continues to be certified for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Trauma Nursing, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and more. She often trains her own staff and was instrumental in opening a simulated training centre where health professionals can practise skills. She has been heavily involved in securing much needed equipment for the community by working closely with Sundre Hospital Futures and the Sundre Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. 

‍Rhapsody Physician Award: Dr. Cecile Lavoie
‍Dr. Cecile Lavoie has been awarded the 2025 Rhapsody Physician Award. Serving the community of Bonnyville, Dr Lavoie has been a steadfast advocate for patient-centered care and has played a pivotal role in mentoring medical students and residents. Dr. Lavoie was instrumental in introducing a Neonatal Resuscitation procedure to the Bonnyville Health Centre and preventing the hospital’s closure by creating a visiting specialist program for urogynecology, orthopedics, and general surgery. Dr. Lavoie retired from her hospital responsibilities last fall, but she continues to practise at the local Well Women’s clinic.

‍Community Celebrations
‍Both Chantal Crawford and Dr. Cecile Lavoie will be celebrated in their respective communities in the coming weeks. Each celebration will feature an award presentation, a video profile highlighting their contributions, and a $1,250 donation made on their behalf to a local organization of their choice. These events aim to honor their exceptional service and inspire others in rural Alberta to continue their dedication to healthcare excellence.

‍About RhPAP:
‍The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is an organization committed to enhancing healthcare in rural Alberta. Through various programs and initiatives, RhPAP supports the attraction and retention of healthcare professionals in rural communities, ensuring that all Albertans have access to quality care. For more information on the Rhapsody Awards and to view the 2025 award nominees, please visit RhPAP Rhapsody Awards.

‍Media Contact:
‍Jessica Surgenor
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP)
Tel: 403.363.6008
Email: Jessica.Surgenor@rhpap.ca