OLDS – Local physician and anesthesiologist Dr. Jaco Hoffman received the 2024 Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Rhapsody Physician Award during a ceremony June 13 at Chef David’s Cacio e Pepe Italian Bistro.
He and his wife, Ebeth, also a doctor, have a practice in Didsbury.
“Established in 2002, this award recognizes the contributions of rural physicians, especially those unsung heroes who provide Alberta rural communities with outstanding patient care and make notable contributions to medical practice and to their communities,” an RhPAP website says.
During the ceremony, Hoffman received tributes from many speakers, including Mayor Judy Dahl; fellow physician Dr. Leoni Kelly; Olds Health Professionals Attraction & Retention Committee vice-chair Gloria Ulry, who nominated Hoffman for the award; and Carol and Dustin Raux, longtime friends of the Hoffman family.
The Rauxs said they got to know Jaco and Ebeth through hockey as much as anything.
It was Hoffman’s dedication to his community and his profession that really stood out for them.
“You are very deserving of this award for the countless hours that you’ve put in for the community, for us, for everyone here,” Dustin said.
The group was treated to a video tribute to Hoffman and all he does.
It was noted that he was “instrumental” in creating the Peaks to Prairies Primary Care Network in Olds.
He helped ensure that operating rooms in the Olds Hospital & Care centre went from only being used a day-and-a-half a week to five days a week.
“In his career, Dr. Hoffman has brought his calming reassurance to well over a thousand moms,” the video said.
Hoffman now also serves as the Alberta Health Services acting central zone medical director.
It was pointed out that among other things, he has also volunteered with the Olds P.A.R.T.Y program. It endeavours to impress upon Grade 10 students the dangers of drinking or consuming drugs and then driving.
In the video and later in the evening, Hoffman paid tribute to Ebeth, saying he could not do what he does without her support, help and “sacrifice.”
“This an honour to be nominated for this award, but to achieve it is even more than an honour,” Hoffman said.
He thanked RhPAP for enabling him to further his education in anesthesia as well.
Hoffman paid a very emotional tribute to Ebeth and his four kids for supporting him.
It was announced that on behalf of each Rhapsody Award recipient, RhPAP donates $1,250 donates to an Alberta-based non-profit health or social organization working within the community.
Hoffman chose to have that donation go to the Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee.
