Sylvan Lake HART - Health Attraction & Retention Team

04/15/2026

We still have some spots to fill for Smile Cookie.
Sunday May 3 has 3 One hour shifts starting at 10am
Email me if you want to volunteer!
[email protected]

04/08/2026

02/09/2026

2025 was a year of momentum, learning, and meaningful progress for the Healthcare Attraction & Retention Team (HART). While we don’t recruit or hire healthcare professionals directly, our focus remains on supporting stable access to care and making Sylvan Lake a welcoming place for physicians and nurse practitioners to live and work.

Some highlights from the year:

☑️ Advanced Ambulatory Care closures dropped significantly from 38 in 2024 to 9 closures in 2025
☑️ Approximately 22,000 patients were supported at AACS (an average of over 430 per week)
☑️ Nurse Practitioners have joined the AACS team, making a positive impact on access and workload
☑️ 7 physicians have relocated to Sylvan Lake over the past three years, with many now supporting shifts at AACS
☑️ Continued advocacy toward upgrading AACS to an Urgent Care Centre, with provincial pre-planning funding confirmed

HART places strong value on recognition and appreciation, knowing that feeling welcomed and supported makes a real difference in encouraging healthcare professionals to stay in our community. Healthcare Appreciation Night at a Sylvan Lake Gulls game remains a well-loved community event, alongside the many personal thank-you messages and gestures shared throughout the year.

We recognize that challenges remain, many of which are beyond local control. Even so, through continued collaboration, advocacy, and community support, we believe meaningful progress will continue. In 2026, HART remains focused on helping ensure Sylvan Lake is a place where healthcare professionals feel connected, supported, and proud to call home.

Thank you to our partners, volunteers, healthcare providers, and community members for being part of our journey.

10/24/2025

We love when Dr. Julie Saby locums in Sylvan Lake!

10/06/2025

The HART Committee met this morning, and for some, it was the final meeting of their term. As Chair, I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the incredible contributions, ideas, and passion each member has brought to our community over the past three years.

New committee members will be selected over the next month, and we look forward to seeing how these new members will shape the committee moving forward. The HART Committee will resume in November, and we’re excited to welcome both familiar and new faces to the table.

If you’re interested in being part of the committee, you can submit a Letter of Interest through the Town of Sylvan Lake Committee website: https://www.sylvanlake.ca/your-government/council/boards-and-committees

08/25/2025

We are currently accepting applications to join the Sylvan Lake Health Attraction & Retention Team (HART).

HART brings together community members, Town Council, and Administration to support and strengthen local healthcare. As a committee member, you’ll help to develop and champion initiatives that attract and recognize Physicians and Nurse Practitioners in choosing Sylvan Lake for their practice.

If you care about healthcare, community, and making an impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Applications can be submitted here: https://forms.sylvanlake.ca/Admin/Boards-Committees-Commissions-Application

07/02/2025

Healthy Happenings: Human Connection is the Best Prescription

When you think about health care, you might picture stethoscopes, prescriptions, or a waiting room filled with magazines. But sometimes the most powerful treatment isn’t found in a pill bottle—it’s found in connection. That’s the heart of Sylvan Lake’s Social Prescribing program.

Launched under the Wellness & Community Connections (WCC) banner, Social Prescribing is a growing movement in health care—one that recognizes that loneliness, disconnection, and everyday barriers can be just as harmful as physical illness. Instead of ignoring those social challenges, Sylvan Lake is meeting them head-on, one personal connection at a time.

Meet the Women Behind the Work
Lindsay Mach is the Network Coordinator, a role she balances with her work as Sylvan Lake’s Elder Abuse Caseworker. She’s the bridge between health professionals and the program itself, helping to build awareness and troubleshoot challenges.

Wendy Prediger, the Link Worker, is the one walking side-by-side with older adults to help them achieve their health and social goals—whether that means finding a walking group, untangling paperwork, or just rediscovering joy.

Wendy puts it plainly: “I wanted to help get older adults out of their homes and connected with other people. I wanted them to have something to look forward to.”

Both women bring deep compassion—and a great sense of humor—to their roles. You might find Wendy laughing with a client, or Lindsay enthusiastically praising their amazing team. “Wendy really is the perfect person for the job,” says Lindsay. “She’s kind, compassionate, and clients just adore her. I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

Purpose Over Paperwork… But Also, Paperwork
When Wendy first started, she knew isolation was a problem. What surprised her was just how much help people needed navigating things like forms and government programs. “Sometimes the only interaction someone has is when I come to visit,” she says. “And that’s just not enough for a happy, healthy life.”

Transportation is another hurdle. Many clients want to get out more—whether it’s for appointments or social time—but have no way to do it. The team hopes future investments will help remove those barriers.

In fact, if they had unlimited resources, both Lindsay and Wendy say they’d expand support systems: more doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and community workers. “Our health care professionals are doing amazing work, but they are drowning,” says Lindsay. “Anything we can do to take some of that pressure off would make a huge difference.”

Moments That Matter
Despite the challenges, there are deeply rewarding moments too—like the heartfelt thank-you note Wendy received from a client. “She said I helped her find purpose again,” Wendy shares. “That I helped her make new friends. That was a bucket-filling moment.”

The feedback they hear again and again is simple but profound: “I didn’t know help like this existed.” And that’s what drives both women to keep showing up.

Beyond the Office
When they’re not championing social connection, Lindsay and Wendy are living their own full lives in Sylvan Lake. Lindsay loves reading, gardening, and organizing (yes, organizing), and proudly holds season tickets to Gulls games. Wendy is happiest on horseback, at a concert, or at the bowling alley—and has a soft spot for Tim Hortons French Vanilla lattes and “Say Yes to the Dress” reruns.

Their local favorites? Lindsay recommends checking out BTS and Spinnakers, while Wendy’s go-to spots include Bamboo Hut and Lakeshore Café. Both agree: the lake is one of the greatest treasures of this town.

The Invitation
Social Prescribing may be new, but it’s quickly proving itself to be an essential part of Sylvan Lake’s approach to healthy living. If you—or someone you know—is over 55 and feeling isolated, stuck, or in need of support, you can get connected by talking to your health care provider or reaching out directly.

Call 403-887-1137, email [email protected], or fax a referral to 403-887-1194. (Yes, we still have fax machines.)

As Lindsay puts it: “We want every older adult to know they’re not alone. We’re here to walk with them—to laugh, to connect, and to help them find the support they deserve.”

06/26/2025

Thank You, Sylvan Lake Healthcare Heroes!

Our committee had the pleasure of hosting our third annual healthcare appreciation night at the Gulls game, and what a fantastic evening it was! No stuffy wine and cheese events here in Sylvan Lake, that’s just not our style. This event is open to healthcare hereos from all clinics in town, creating a wonderful opportunity for them and their families to come together for some fun.

And to top it all off, we were excited to see the Gulls take home a win! 🏆

Thank you for all the incredible work you do in caring for Sylvan Lake!

06/24/2025

Thank You to our local Healthcare Heroes!

Today was a special day as we celebrated our local Healthcare Heroes! One of our dedicated committee members, Emily, has been on a heartfelt mission, gathering signatures from hundreds of Lakers who wanted to express their gratitude.

With beautifully designed thank you cards in hand, Emily, along with Councillor Rilling and Mayor Hanson (fellow members of the Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team), visited our local healthcare facilities to deliver these tokens of appreciation.

A huge thank you to all our healthcare workers for your unwavering commitment and care for our community. Your hard work does not go unnoticed! 💙👏

06/20/2025

03/26/2025

Healthy Happenings: Meet Dr. Ndoro – A Physician Committed to Care

When you step into Dr. Ndoro’s office, you’re not just meeting a doctor—you’re meeting someone with a deep passion for medicine, community, and adventure. His journey to Sylvan Lake has been shaped by his family, his love of emergency medicine, and his desire to create meaningful connections.

A Calling in Medicine
Dr. Ndoro comes from a family of doctors, and while his parents encouraged him to explore various career paths, it was their gentle guidance that led him to medicine. His training covered all areas of medicine, but his experience in emergency medicine, critical care, and as a flight physician gave him a unique perspective on the fast-paced, life-saving aspects of the field. He even gained experience in medicine development, broadening his understanding of patient care from multiple angles.

“The best part of my job is seeing the far-reaching impact that family medicine has on a person’s health and well-being,” he shares. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the care I provide can truly make a difference.”

However, with great reward comes great challenges. “The hardest part of being a physician is not always being able to solve the challenges within the healthcare sector,” he explains. “Ensuring patients receive optimal care in a timely manner is something I’m always striving for.”

His personal philosophy? Respect. “I believe in treating my colleagues with respect and making sure we all work as a team—because at the end of the day, it’s about putting patients first.”

Finding Home in Sylvan Lake
When Dr. Ndoro and his family were searching for a place to settle, Sylvan Lake checked all the boxes. “It wasn’t just the right place for me—it was the right place for my family,” he says. “The strong sense of community and the family-oriented nature of the town made it an easy decision.”

Coming from a much busier place, the slower pace of life in Sylvan Lake was a welcome change. “One of my favorite things about this community is that no matter the season, there’s always something to do.”

In his downtime, you might catch Dr. Ndoro at the lake with his drone, capturing Sylvan Lake’s breathtaking views. “Flying my drone is my way of unwinding. It gives me the experience of flying like a bird—I can see the world from a whole new perspective.”

More Than Medicine: A Passion for Cooking and Community
While he doesn’t claim to have a special talent, Dr. Ndoro does enjoy cooking—especially Southeast Asian cuisine. “I do make a mess of it sometimes,” he laughs, “but when I get it right, I promise I can blow your taste buds away.”

For him, community care goes beyond the walls of a clinic. “I don’t just want to be a doctor—I want to be a resource for the community. I want to be involved in activities that foster a strong sense of togetherness and support.”

Lessons from the Pandemic and a Vision for the Future
Like many healthcare professionals, Dr. Ndoro was deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of the hardest things was seeing families drop off their loved ones at the hospital, not knowing if they’d see them again the next day,” he recalls. “It was a stark reminder that tomorrow is never promised, so we need to make the most of today.”

Staying motivated in such a demanding field isn’t always easy, but he finds balance by prioritizing time with his wife and son. “Work-life balance isn’t just about me—it’s about my family too.”
Dr. Ndoro is also fascinated by the role of technology in healthcare. “AI and digital health tools are transforming medicine, making access to care more efficient than ever before.”

Beyond the Clinic: Racing, Travel, and Lifelong Learning
If he could have dinner with anyone, Dr. Ndoro would choose Lewis Hamilton. “He’s not just a phenomenal driver—he’s a trailblazer. He’s pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and continually strives for excellence. I’d love to hear how he stays focused and adapts to challenges.”

When asked about his funniest moment in medicine, he recalls a child with a stomachache. “After a thorough exam, I asked him what he had eaten that day. With a completely serious face, he said, ‘I think I swallowed a dinosaur.’ Turns out, he just ate too much candy,” he laughs.

His dream skill to master? Riding a motorcycle. His dream travel destination? Tahiti.

Advice for Future Physicians
For those considering a career in medicine, Dr. Ndoro has simple but powerful advice: “Stay focused, curious, and resilient. Medicine is always evolving, so you have to keep learning. But most importantly, take care of yourself before you give yourself to the world. Finding balance will make you a better doctor, a better family member, and a better person.”

Through his passion for healthcare, technology, and community, Dr. Ndoro is shaping a future where Sylvan Lake residents receive the best possible care—both in and out of the clinic.

02/26/2025

Healthy Happenings: Meet Dr. Nel – A Physician with Heart

When Dr. Nel walks into a room, you don’t just see a doctor—you see a storyteller, a photographer, a musician and above all, someone who truly cares. Her journey into medicine was sparked by the medical historical event of the first human heart transplant, performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard—a man she later learned was a very distant relative. That connection planted a seed, and from that moment on, she knew her future was in medicine.

A Passion for Saving Lives and Building Connections

While Dr. Nel finds great joy in all aspects of family medicine, she also has a special passion for emergency medicine and cardiology. The energy of working in high-stakes situations, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, fuels her dedication.

“There’s nothing quite like the moment you realize that someone is still here today because you were there,” she shares. Some of her most rewarding moments is of a patient suffering a cardiac arrest or another patient suffering a severe stroke and thanks to the quick response of her team, they were able to resuscitate these patients. Seeing them walk out of the hospital, alive and well, reminded her why she chose this path. And, of course, she also cherishes the moments of joy—like welcoming new life into the world in the maternity ward and to also make a difference in the lives of all her patients.

Finding Home in Sylvan Lake

Dr. Nel and her family chose Sylvan Lake not just as a place to practice medicine, but as a place to truly live. She and her husband, Red, were looking for the best opportunities for their children when they stumbled upon the town. The moment they arrived, they knew it was home.

Their warm welcome into the community is a story in itself—other doctors’ wives found them a rental, stocked their fridge, furnished their house, and even provided warm blankets to help them adjust to the Canadian cold. And then there was the challenge of central heating. “Every time the furnace kicked in, we’d brace ourselves, wondering if it was going to explode!” she laughs.
“It is so important to keep a sense of humor. I can’t live life without laughter,” she says. “It’s an essential ingredient for happiness.”

More Than a Doctor: Musician and Photographer

Beyond medicine, Dr. Nel has a creative side that might surprise many. She’s an avid photographer, capturing landscapes at first but now drawn to portraits that reveal the unique character of her subjects. Music is another passion—she plays the piano, violin, recorder, and even taught herself the guitar.

And if you’ve spent any time in her office, you know she brings more than just medical expertise. “True compassion, trust and respect towards others are such essential elements.”

Balancing Medicine and Life

With such a demanding career, how does she make time for herself and her family? “Intention,” she says simply. “You have to schedule time for family and keep it. The people closest to you deserve that.”

She also keeps life balanced with travel. Her ideal vacation? The ocean in summer, the mountains in fall, and the occasional city visit in between. And if she could have dinner with anyone, she’d choose Sir David Attenborough, drawn to his storytelling, passion, and commitment to conservation.

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond patient care, Dr. Nel is committed to training the next generation of doctors. She was the first manager of the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (AACS) and continues to train physicians in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). “Even when I’m no longer practicing, I know that patients in Sylvan Lake will still be in good hands,” she says with pride.

Her advice to those considering a career in medicine? “Don’t give up. Focus on your vision and go for it. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”

Dr. Nel’s story is one of heart—both in passion and practice. Through her care, teaching, and humor, she continues to make Sylvan Lake a healthier, happier place for everyone.