June 26, 2025
Chantal Crawford, RN, and site leader at the Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre, is being honoured as the 2025 recipient of the RhPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award. Photo by Bobby Jones.
Story by Jonathan Koch | Photos by Bobby Jones
The spirit of rural healthcare thrives in central Alberta, with several area health providers being recognized for making a difference in their communities. Four individuals and teams from the AHS Central Zone number among the 15 nominees who vied provincially for this year’s Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Rhapsody Awards.
Chantal Crawford, a forward-thinking registered nurse and site manager at the Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre, took home the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award. Crawford was recognized for improving patient care, training staff and supporting health professional initiatives in Sundre.
"Chantal’s dedication towards improving patient care, training staff, and supporting health professional initiatives exemplifies the spirit of this award, and we are proud that she is part of our regional healthcare team,” says Dr. Jaco Hoffman, AHS Central Zone Medical Director.
“We are very lucky to have Chantal as our site leader with her passion for rural nursing and commitment to her community,” adds Gerry Greschner, who nominated Crawford.
The Combined Lab and X-Ray Technologists (CLXT) team at Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre was also recognized by their nomination for the Healthcare Heroes Award. Their dedication and willingness to exceed their responsibilities during challenging periods, while consistently maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional service, earned them the nomination.
“Often, when they are in between patients, they can be found helping nursing staff clean emergency department rooms,” says Crawford, in her role as site manager. “They work hard to train with the healthcare team and are effective in their roles, often jumping in to help with airway and chest compressions during a code.”
Two physicians from Central Zone were nominated for the Rhapsody Physician Award, which recognizes doctors who provide outstanding patient care and make notable contributions to medical practice and their communities.
Dr. Robert A. Halse of Ponoka was nominated for his dedication to his patients, for his expertise that he shares with colleagues, and for his rural health advocacy. Dr. Halse's commitment extends to volunteering and actively participating in attracting and retaining new doctors.
“He’s become the embodiment of what a rural doctor should be,” says Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.
Dr. Hermanus Potgieter was nominated for his significant contributions to healthcare and community-building in Viking. He’s recognized for diverse roles, including providing medical care at rodeos and establishing key healthcare programs, profoundly impacting colleagues and the community.
Registered nurse Jill Davidson, inspired by his ability to juggle many roles such as community, emergency, acute, obstetrical, and anesthesia medicine, says, “I’ve worked with a lot of doctors, and I can’t say anyone has made me feel so validated, valued and proud to be a part of the medical community.”
Dr. Hoffman adds, "We extend our deepest gratitude to the exceptional healthcare professionals in central Alberta, whose unwavering commitment to patient care, community well-being, and rural health advocacy truly embodies the spirit of healthcare heroism.”
The RhPAP Rhapsody Awards celebrate the individuals and teams making a significant difference in rural healthcare across Alberta. To view full profiles of all recipients and nominees, visit RhPAP.ca/rhapsody.
