Recognizing 2026 Rhapsody Physician Award nominee: Dr. Larry Kulak

Recognizing 2026 Rhapsody Physician Award nominee: Dr. Larry Kulak

Community: Whitecourt

Thinking outside the box, among other accolades, has earned a physician kudos from his peers.

Dr. Larry Kulak arrived in Whitecourt 45 years ago as a new physician and never left. He recently was nominated for a 2026 RHPAP Rhapsody Physician Award.

“Dr. Kulak has the strongest work ethic of any of the physicians with whom I have had the pleasure of working with. He dedicates himself completely to his profession – nothing held back,” writes Jackie Sanford, a retired Alberta Health Services North Zone clinical nurse educator, in her nomination.

He conscientiously, explicitly, and judiciously researches medical information to ensure he uses the most up to date, evidence-based medicine when making decisions about patient care,” says Sanford.

“If every other option or attempt has been made, he has the innate ability to think creatively, explore unconventional ideas and go beyond standard solutions to provide patient care.”

Over the years, Dr. Kulak has expanded his skillset in order to provide the best care to his patients including training in general, epidural and spinal anaesthesia, operative obstetrics and caesarean sections, electrocardiograms interpretations, and the performance and delivery of cardiac stress testing.

His creative thinking played out during the pandemic.

“Dr. Kulak was the only GP anaesthetist working in Whitecourt who was certified in the necessary skills to operate the Puritan Bennett 980 Series Ventilator. Instead of viewing that as adversity, he overcame the challenge by enabling patients to breathe through some of the most innovative breath – delivery technology available. He also utilized every opportunity to teach other health care professionals the significance of stabilizing patients on the ventilator, prior to transporting them to a tertiary care centre in Edmonton.”

Dr. Kulak has also served as medical director and been a mentor to many medical learners. One learner was advised by a visiting cardiologist to “spend as much time with [Dr.] Kulak as possible.

“He took the advice to heart and glued himself to his side,” says Sanford, noting his own practice is now influenced by his time with Dr. Kulak.

“He says Dr. Kulak was the most important mentor he came across in his own medical degree and training, and the time spent with him was the main factor in his decision to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.”

His colleagues echo their respect for his willingness to care for the marginalized, noting “if there was a motto to describe Dr. Kulak, it would be something he often says, ‘I will look after anyone, anytime.’”

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