Celebrating Excellence in Rural Medicine: 2025 SRPC Award Recipients Honoured in Winnipeg

Press Release

Winnipeg, MB – On the evening of Friday, April 25th, the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) proudly hosted the 2025 SRPC Awards Ceremony at the historic Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The event was co-hosted by SRPC President Dr. Gavin Parker and Dr. Gabe Woollam, Chair of the Nominations and Awards Committee.

The annual ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to rural medicine across Canada. From seasoned practitioners to emerging leaders, this year’s award recipients embody the dedication, innovation, and compassion that define rural healthcare.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just accomplishments, but the spirit of service that sustains and uplifts our rural communities,” said Dr. Parker. “It is our honour to recognize those who go above and beyond to ensure access to quality healthcare in even the most remote areas.”

Among the evening’s honours were the Rural Service Awards, Fellowships of Rural and Remote Medicine (FRRMS), and several leadership and mentorship awards spanning clinical service, education, community impact, and more.

2025 SRPC Award Recipients

Rural Service Award

• Dr. James Card (Valemount, BC)
• Dr. Sarah Cook (Yellowknife, NT)
• Dr. Robin Kennie (Perth, ON)
• Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick (Huntsville, ON)
• Dr. Jason Malinowski (Barry’s Bay, ON)
• Dr. Sean Moore (Keewatin, ON)
• Dr. Laura Noack (Kenora, ON)
• Dr. Kristy Penner (Crowsnest Pass, AB)
• Dr. Nicholas Potvin & Dr. Nadine Potvin (Clinton, ON)
• Dr. David Whittaker (Port McNeill, BC)

Rural Long Service Award

• Dr. Jane Bishop (Sechelt/Shishalh, BC)
• Dr. Michael Cotterill (Wawa, ON)
• Dr. Joshua Greggain (Bowser, BC)
• Dr. Jim Halvorson (Tahsis, BC)
• Dr. Sharen Madden (Sioux Lookout, ON)

Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine of the SRPC (FRRMS)

• Dr. Prean Armogam
• Dr. Jane Bishop
• Dr. Norma Charrière
• Dr. Michael Cotterill
• Dr. Sarah Gower
• Dr. Jim Halvorson
• Dr. Jeffrey Patterson

Lifetime Member Awards

• Dr. Emmanuel Abara
• Dr. Garth Campbell
• Dr. Paul Cano
• Dr. Jim Halvorson
• Dr. Johann Kuschke
• Dr. John O’Connor

Rural Health Champion Award

• Mr. Chuck Schmitt (Dryden, ON)

Rural Community Impact Award

• Dr. Carolyn Brown (Bancroft, ON)

Rural Mentorship Award

• Dr. Frances Kilbertus (Manitoulin Island, ON)

Rural Specialist Merit Award

• Dr. Peter Miles (Grande Prairie, AB)

Rural Leadership Award

• Inuvik Regional Hospital (IRH) GP Surgical Team (Inuvik, NT)

Keith Award

• Université Laval

Rural Medical Education Award

• University of Manitoba

Rural Student Essay Winner

• Miss Alanna Pullen (Atikokan, ON)

Rural Resident Essay Winner

• Dr. Rachel Belanger (Sudbury, ON)

Rural Student Leadership Award

• Mr. Aria Rezapour (Port Coquitlam, BC)
• Miss Tiana Bressan (Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

Rural Resident Leadership Award

• Dr. Anchaleena Mandal (Sioux Lookout, ON)
• Dr. Kapilan Panchendrabose (Lethbridge, AB)

Student Research Poster

• Alicia Schulz, Ottawa ON

Resident Research Poster

• Dr. Taylor Jamieson-Datzkiw, Winnipeg, MB

Special Mention – Stuart Iglesias ESS/OSS Bursary Award (Presented January 2025)

• Miss Jessica Bennett (Wolfville, NS)
• Miss Claire Poulin (Atikokan, ON)
• Dr. Lindey Felske (Lethbridge, ON)
• Dr. Sarah Hyett (Brantford, ON)
• Dr. Robert Greidanus (Peace River, AB)
• Dr. Patrick Laflèche (Inuvik, NT)

The SRPC congratulates all recipients and extends heartfelt thanks to all those working to improve rural health across Canada.

For more information on the SRPC Awards, visit: https://srpc.ca/awards

About the SRPC

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is the national voice of Canadian rural physicians. Founded in 1992, the SRPC’s mission is excellent health care close to home for all rural Canadians.

Representing over 3,500 members from across the country, the SRPC is a voluntary professional organization dedicated to advancing rural health. Its work includes advocating for equitable health delivery systems, supporting rural physicians and communities, promoting and providing continuing medical education, facilitating rural health research, and fostering connections among those committed to rural care.

Media Contact:

Diana Chávez
Marketing Officer
dianac@srpc.ca

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