Recognizing 2025 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award nominee: Mark Simons
Community: Milk River
“Dr. Mark” Simons may not officially be a doctor, but he’s truly become a cornerstone to healthcare in the Milk River area.
Rather, he is a military trained physician assistant (PA) who has practised near the US border in the communities of Milk River, Coutts, the County of Warner, County of Forty Mile, and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park since 2013.
Simons joined the Milk River healthcare team as part of a provincial physician assistant pilot program after spending several years serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in places such as Afghanistan, Croatia, and the Arctic. Physician assistants practise under the supervision of a physician as part of a patient-centered healthcare team.
The community recently paid tribute to Simons’ local commitment by nominating him for a 2025 RhPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award.
“[Those] who sacrifice so we can have the healthcare our community needs and deserves…physician assistant Mark Simons, or ‘Dr. Mark’ as he is affectionately called by many, is one of these such people,” writes patient Robert Horgus in support of his nomination.
Dr. Liesl Lewke-Bogle welcomed Simons with open arms when he joined the Milk River Medical Clinic.
“He was a lifesaver for me when I was working solo, but he also worked well when other physicians joined the practice,” notes Dr. Lewke-Bogle.
“He was always willing to take on whatever duties were required. In fact, he was on call for 27 days in a row as there was no locum coverage available,” she says. “He simply took it on as ‘his deployment assignment.’”
Simons also ensured the emergency department stayed open when closures were imminent.
“Physician assistant Simons’ contribution to the local clinic and the emergency room are immeasurable,” says Scott MacCumber, chairperson of the Milk River Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee.
“His dedication and commitment to Milk River has allowed both the clinic and the emergency room to remain open when it would not have been possible because of a shortage of physicians,” he explains.
“To a small community such as Milk River and the surrounding area, his presence has allowed local patients to receive medical treatment close to home instead of having to travel to neighbouring communities.”
Simons’ friendly demeanour and his ability to handle the community’s health needs quickly and efficiently have earned him the trust of patients, adds colleague Dr. Theresa Akewe.
“Mark has an incredible rapport within the community.”