Meet the four Alberta medical students who received the 2025 RhPAP Rural Medical Student Award.
The award provides a one-time contribution of $5,000 to assist with the student’s tuition, accommodation, living, and/or professional development expenses.
Laurel Ford, Penhold, AB
Laurel’s passion for rural family medicine stems from her upbringing in Penhold and Breton, Alberta. Actively involved in rural healthcare initiatives, she leads the Family and Rural Medicine Interest Group, volunteers at the Student Run Clinic, and conducts research with the DLRI. Her experiences, including shadowing rural physicians and participating in the RhPAP mentorship program, have strengthened her commitment to serving rural communities. Laurel aims to complete her training in the Rural Family Medicine Residency in Red Deer, Alberta, to give back to the community she calls home.
Her full story is coming soon.
Adam Guthrie, Ponoka, AB
Adam, who grew up in Ponoka and Red Deer, aims to become a rural general practitioner in Central Alberta, combining family practice with skills in emergency medicine, obstetrics, and anesthesia. With a background in business and healthcare IT, he is committed to improving clinic efficiency, enhancing patient care, and building strong community connections.
His full story is coming soon.
Rachel Stefaniuk, Willingdon, AB
Rachel grew up on a farm near Willingdon, Alberta, which fostered her deep connection to rural communities. Her firsthand experiences with the challenges of rural healthcare motivated her to pursue a career in medicine, with a focus on improving access and supporting underserved populations.
Her full story is coming soon.
Nathan Van Decker, Strathmore, AB
Growing up in a rural family of seven siblings, Nathan knows firsthand the challenges faced by underserved communities. With a deep-rooted connection to Strathmore and a passion for rural healthcare, he leads the Rural Medicine Interest Group at the University of Alberta. Inspired by his family’s experiences — including caring for two brothers on the autism spectrum — Nathan is committed to improving healthcare access and support for families in similar situations. His goal is to practice medicine in a rural setting while developing programs that empower students from rural backgrounds to thrive.
His full story is coming soon.