Sydney Hampshire: 2024 RhPAP Rural Medical School Award Recipient

Integrating into your community is a key part to a successful rural medical practice.
That’s the belief of Sydney Hampshire, who is enrolled at the University of Alberta and is one of several medical students who were recently selected to receive the annual RhPAP Rural Medical School Award. The award provides a one-time contribution of $5,000 to assist with the student’s tuition, accommodation, living, and/or professional development expenses.
“I can run farm equipment and wrangle cattle by horse,” she writes. “I can build fence and cook pie for the local fundraisers. I’m saying that I can support and manage my own property while also volunteering in the community…. This is critical for a rural physician as some rural communities can be isolating.
“A person moving to a rural community needs to put the work into integrating and meeting their neighbours.”
Hampshire says having a chronic physical disability early on in her life has influenced her decision to become a rural physician and inspire others.
“It is very difficult to do all the physiotherapy, meds, and treatment you need to do on your own…. I went from not being able to walk, talk or use my hands to being in first year medical school.”
Hampshire, who grew up in small communities in both central and northern Alberta, looks forward to learning more about rural medicine during her shadowing opportunities in Westlock and other areas.