Recognizing 2025 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award nominee: Wabamun Medical Clinic, Tammy St. Louis and Christina Hykawy
Community: Wabamun
A medical clinic team reflects the rural spirit as they keep a lakeside community’s healthcare needs in the forefront once again.
Nurse practitioner Tammy St. Louis and office assistant Christina Hykawy provide care at the Wabamun Medical Clinic, located in the lakeside hamlet of Wabamun, about an hour west of Edmonton.
St. Louis opened her practice five years ago after the community had been without local primary care services for several years.
“She took on the challenge of solo practice and re-established the Wabamun Medical Clinic,” writes Nikki Whitaker, in her nomination of the team for the 2025 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award.
“Residents once again could access care close to home.”
Whitaker says the duo is not only vital to the community, but also to Indigenous peoples and farmers who live near Wabamun Lake, the name of which translates into “clear, reflective waters” in the Cree language.
“The clinic’s presence ensures that residents can receive medical care without the hardship of long commutes,” Whitaker says. Clinic employees also participate in fundraising events and supply a food cupboard to address socioeconomic barriers to care.
Christina Hykawy’s ties to Wabamun run deep. Not only does she know the community, but she is able to navigate the healthcare system to help patients in her role as medical office assistant.
“Her warm and genuine demeanour creates a welcoming environment, and locals deeply appreciate her understanding of their shared rural experiences,” says Whitaker.
Innovation is constant at the clinic where a patient tracking system ensures timely preventative screenings.
“Resulting participation in preventative cancer screening at the Wabamun Clinic has soared, placing the clinic at the top of the WestView Primary Care Network in terms of Alberta Screening and Prevention rates,” she explains.
“Together, Tammy and Chris have transformed healthcare in Wabamun.
“Their patient centred, community-driven approach has enhanced service delivery and strengthened the local healthcare infrastructure.”