Meet the six Alberta medical students who received the 2024 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.
Alyssa Groves, Champion, AB
Alyssa is no stranger to the rural lifestyle. She grew up on a farm and joined the local 4H club when she was nine. She raised three of her own cows. Currently in 2nd year medicine at the University of Calgary, Alyssa would eventually like to practice as a rural family generalist in southern Alberta. Read her full story.
Virginia Layton, Grassy Lake, AB
In high school, Virginia didn’t think it was possible to be a rural physician and raise a family. After working as an echocardiographer alongside doctors in High River, she realized it was possible. Today, she’s entering her second year of med school at the University of Alberta. Read her full story.
Stephanie de Waal, Barrhead, AB
Stephanie’s father is a rural physician. The second year med student at the University of Calgary is not sure if that had any influence on her wanting to get into medical school. But, she does plan to follow his footsteps and practise in a rural community. Read her full story.
Erin Zader, La Glace, AB
Erin set her sights on being a physician from a young age. Some people told her not to do it – med school is too hard. Undaunted she pursued her dreams. Today’s she’s in second year medicine at the University of Calgary. She’s attracted to rural medicine because every day is different. Read her full story.
Ryan Scheltus, Clive, AB
Ryan credits his physician, Dr. Matthew Unger in Lacombe, for inspiring him to pursue medical school. Ryan taught high school for three years before entering into the medical program at the University of Alberta. He’s just wrapped up his first year. Read his full story.
Sydney Hampshire, La Glace, AB
Sydney says having a chronic physical disability influenced her decision to become a rural physician and inspire others. She’s no stranger to farm life. She can run farm equipment and wrangle cattle. She’s just finished first year medicine at the University of Alberta. Read her full story.