Dr. Anton Raubenheimer, Dr. Stephan Raubenheimer, Dr. Henrik Lourens, Flora May Moragreiga, Angela Shake, Cassie Melenka, Julie Wortel, Shelley Pauk, Tammy Huk, Marlaine Pidluzny and Roxanne Kozakewich.
Community: Smoky Lake region
People of all ages in the Smoky Lake region have been comforted for nearly three decades knowing that a team of health professionals is readily available when they need them.
“At a time when rural communities struggle to find family physicians, these physicians have remained committed to sustaining healthcare accessibility for over 4,000 people who call Smoky Lake, Vilna and Smoky Lake County their home,” writes Raymond Connie, chief administrative officer with the Smoky Lake Foundation, which supports seniors and community housing.
The foundation was one of several organizations and individuals that supported the team which was recently nominated for a Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award. The annual award was established by RhPAP to recognize rural healthcare providers that demonstrate superior commitment to their patients, healthcare team and community.
Not only does the team advocate for area residents but it has also encouraged other physicians to practise in the area through their work with the Physician and Healthcare Professionals Committee. The committee, established to attract and retain new health professionals, has been successful in securing a new doctor who is set to begin work this month, notes the Town of Smoky Lake in supporting the nomination.
“The doctors and their dedicated clinic staff are a testament to Alberta rural health excellence and resilience,” adds Leroy Kunyk, mayor of the Village of Vilna, noting the physicians also operate a clinic in Vilna.
“With their commitment to serving the rural communities of both Smoky Lake and Vilna, our aging population is saved the burden of travelling for healthcare, especially during our harsh winters.”
Jessica Katerenchuk, a registered nurse, says she was inspired to go into the healthcare field after being treated by the area physicians herself. Now, she appreciates their mentorship as she works side-by-side the physicians in clinical practice.
Patients, too, are grateful for the team’s commitment to their patients.
“Just last week I listened to a patient say, ‘we just travelled over one hour to see this doctor, because here we are treated like humans.’”
Check out the full list of Rhapsody winners and nominees here.