Rita has been instrumental for many years as a community champion in the attraction and retention of health professionals. I think that this work is a natural part of her, no different from walking, talking, or breathing.
The most current example of how attraction and retention is part of who she is was an RhPAP Skills Weekend, where 51 students descended upon her rural community. From working behind the scenes months before to help secure 32 rooms at a local hotel, to having local restaurants opening on days when they were not usually open, Rita was able to showcase the great community she lives in. I do know that others were also instrumental in the success of this weekend—from the medical community to the numerous volunteers—but always in each mix of volunteers, you see her on the side, patting someone on the back, as well as giving orders on what needs to be moved, left, or directed.
All I know is that when this great weekend happened, I never had a moment where I wondered if something was not done. We always knew we would be well fed, entertained, and made to feel like we were the most important people that were lucky enough to enjoy this wonderful community!
Because of her great relationships with community members, Rita was able to entice a retired physician and his wife to host a snowshoe walk on Sunday with perfect weather. I think she has other powers: she had her own husband providing a walking tour down main street (as well as the bonfire on Sunday for the s’mores); and one daughter hosting a tour of the pharmacies, as the other one had walked over with them to the local pool. There was the wine and beer tasting with two businesses in attendance (a local distillery and Sobeys Liquor that sells the distillery’s products) that lasted well into the night. A local band, Blind Dog Revival, provided great music for the evening. We even had the grandbaby at one of our organizing meetings, though, she did not share the fish crackers with me.
All I know is that when this great weekend happened, I never had a moment where I wondered if something was not done. We always knew we would be well fed, entertained, and made to feel like we were the most important people that were lucky enough to enjoy this wonderful community!
“It is what I do,” Rita tells me; and I am so grateful that I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with her for so many years!
- Article by Kim Flemming