Dr. Jaco Hoffman, a local physician and anesthesiologist in Alberta, recently received the 2024 Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Rhapsody Physician Award in Olds, Alberta. Hoffman and his wife Ebeth, who is also a doctor, practice in Didsbury. Established in 2002, this award honours rural physicians who provide exceptional patient care and contribute significantly to their communities.
Dr. Hoffman played a key role in establishing the Peaks to Prairies Primary Care Network in Olds as he also increased the use of operating rooms at the Olds Hospital & Care Centre from one and a half days to five days a week. Throughout his career, he has provided calming reassurance to over a thousand mothers. Dr. Hoffman is currently serving as the acting central zone medical director for Alberta Health Services.
During the special award ceremony, Hoffman was praised by Mayor Judy Dahl, Dr. Leoni Kelly, Gloria Ulry from the Olds Health Professionals Attraction & Retention Committee who nominated him, and longtime friends Carol and Dustin Raux. Dustin emphasized Hoffman’s dedication to the community, stating that Dr. Hoffman is very deserving of this award for the countless hours that he has put in for the community. The event also included a video tribute highlighting Hoffman’s contributions, including his volunteer work with the Olds P.A.R.T.Y program, which educates Grade 10 students about the risks of impaired driving.
Dr. Hoffman acknowledged his wife Ebeth’s help and expressed gratitude for her support, help, and sacrifices, without which he could not have accomplished his work. He described being nominated for and receiving the award as a great honour. Hoffman also thanked RhPAP for their support in his anesthesia education. Emotionally, he thanked Ebeth and their four children for their unwavering support.
It was also announced that RhPAP would donate $1,250 to an Alberta-based non-profit organization for each Rhapsody Award recipient. Hoffman chose to direct this donation to the Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee.
