Rural Health Professions Action Plan

10/17/2026

🌟 Inspiring the next generation of rural healthcare professionals!

On October 14, we were excited to be part of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade’s High School Skills Day! With 32 students in attendance, the event offered an exciting opportunity to explore the many rewarding career paths in rural healthcare through hands-on learning, interactive skills stations, and conversations with local healthcare professionals.

East-central community consultant Anya Langkow joined the day as a Group Leader, bringing IV arms, stress balls, mop-top pens, and educational materials to help students engage with the world of healthcare. From exploring practical skills to learning about the many ways to make a difference in their communities, students got a glimpse of the opportunities that await them in the healthcare field.

A big thank you to the Stettler Regional Board of Trade for hosting this fantastic event, the local AIR Committee (Stettler Regional Health Professions Attraction & Retention Committee) for their support, and Campus Alberta Central for sponsoring the day!

💙 Investing in hands-on learning today helps inspire the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

10/16/2026

Deep rural roots, an entrepreneurial spirit, governance experience, and personal connections to rural healthcare are just a few of the attributes RHPAP’s new board chair brings to the table.

Amber Link is no stranger to RHPAP, having joined the board of directors in 2021 while serving as Wheatland County reeve and as a director with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

“Rural Alberta has given myself and my family so much so serving as chair of RHPAP is just one way that I can give something back and help ensure that rural Albertans can continue to build healthy lives and strong, sustainable communities,” says Link, who began her new appointment in July.

“Rural communities are filled with innovative, amazing, hardworking people, but they need the right foundations to really thrive. I strongly believe that reliable healthcare is one of those foundations.”

Link appreciates the importance of accessible healthcare, given two of her now-adult children have complex healthcare needs. Her husband, Kevin, who recently retired after serving as a paramedic for 37 years in the region, also has given her insight.

“Those experiences have given me such enormous respect for our healthcare professionals and the teams. They’ve also reinforced that access to healthcare is not an abstract policy issue. It affects real people and families, and it’s needed during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

Learn more about RHPAP's new chair, on the blog: https://loom.ly/AyjaVDA

10/15/2026

A northern Alberta community has wrapped itself around a new couple in town, fully understanding its support may encourage the occupational therapist (OT) to feel welcome and continue to call the area home.

When OT Pimtida Alberts and her husband, Marcus, arrived from Thailand on one of the coldest days last January, Dalique van der Nest was there to welcome them with a warm toque and a ride from Edmonton International Airport to Slave Lake.

Van der Nest, executive director, Allied Health & Volunteer Resources, NW Corridor for Alberta Health Services, knew full well this gesture would be an important part of the Alberts’ integration into Canadian life, having never stepped foot in the country.

Twenty-seven years ago, Dalique herself also arrived in Slave Lake with her husband Johan and their three-year-old child after moving from South Africa. They were tasked with setting up the first OT positions in the area.

“We were drawn in by the personal touch by two very friendly leaders who became my mentors here for 20 years,” recalls van der Nest. “I truly believe that connections to team members, friends, and the community are essential.

Read the full story on the blog: https://loom.ly/Qb517x4

Alberta College of Occupational Therapists Town of Slave Lake

10/14/2026

Register for the FREE Knowledge Now webinar happening tomorrow, Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. MST! https://loom.ly/g7UPZm0

Rural healthcare relies on strong, collaborative teams where every profession can contribute to the full extent of their education, training, and scope of practice. But what does that look like in practice?

Join RHPAP, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta - CRNA for an interdisciplinary conversation exploring the roles and scopes of practice of physician assistants and rural nurses in Alberta’s rural healthcare settings.

RHPAP's interactive Knowledge Now webinar series is geared toward rural AIR committee members, practicing rural healthcare professionals, local and municipal leaders, medical and healthcare students and other stakeholders with a passion for supporting rural health.

We hope to see you there!

10/14/2026

🦷 From high school work experience to hometown dentist!

Dr. Taylor Ruether discovered her love of dentistry right in Fairview, AB.

After eight years of university, she returned home to build her career — and she hasn't looked back!

What's the best part of being a rural dentist? Rewarding work, plenty of variety, a great team and time for family.

👉 Watch Taylor's story and discover why rural dentistry might be the perfect fit for you!
Town of Fairview Municipal District of Fairview No. 136
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - University of Alberta Mighty Peace Tourism Alberta Dental Association

10/11/2026

Rural healthcare relies on strong, collaborative teams where every profession can contribute to the full extent of their education, training, and scope of practice. But what does that look like in practice?

Join RHPAP, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, and the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta - CRNA for an interdisciplinary conversation exploring the roles and scopes of practice of physician assistants and rural nurses in Alberta’s rural healthcare settings.

Register to join the FREE webinar on Thursday, October 15 at 11am: https://loom.ly/8d_HsUw

Join RHPAP for conversations and insights shaping rural healthcare.

10/10/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 RHPAP Conference in Peace River! 🎉

What an incredible three days of learning, collaboration, connection, and community! Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their knowledge and experiences, and helped make this year’s conference such a success. A special thank you to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and local hosts for helping bring it all together.

📸 We’ve captured a few highlights, but there’s more to see! Check out the full photo album on Flickr to revisit the moments, memories, and connections that made this conference one to remember.

🔗 Browse the full album: https://loom.ly/pi_tDpo

Thank you for being part of — we look forward to seeing you again!

10/10/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 RHPAP Conference in Peace River! 🎉

From inspiring speakers and fresh ideas to meaningful conversations and new connections, our conference brought together people who are passionate about strengthening rural health care in Alberta.

But don’t just take our word for it! Hear directly from attendees as they share their biggest takeaways and what they’re bringing home to their communities.

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us in Peace River and helped make this year’s conference such a success! 💙

📅 We hope to see you at our next RHPAP Conference in Fall 2028! Until then, keep building connections and keeping healthcare close to home.

Mighty Peace Tourism Whitecourt Town of Viking Municipal District of Peace 135
Northern Sunrise County

10/09/2026

2026 Conference Highlights part 7

10/09/2026

The reviews are in and the 2026 RHPAP Conference was a smashing success! If you didn't get the chance to attend, check out the highlights in this short video.

And hopefully, we'll see you at the 2028 conference.

Mighty Peace Tourism Town of Grimshaw Northern Sunrise County County of Northern Lights Municipal District of Peace 135