Dr. Michael G. Boorman of Rimbey is the 2004 recipient of the Alberta Rural Physician Award of Distinction. Following a review of the 14 outstanding candidates nominated this year, the RPAP Coordinating Committee selected Dr. Boorman based on his well-rounded
contributions to rural medicine, significant contributions to his community and his international service.

 The Award of Distinction honours and recognizes the work of all rural physicians and is presented annually to an Alberta family physician who lives and has worked in rural Alberta for at least four years, and who demonstrates a superior commitment and contribution to the community through medical practice, teaching of other health professionals, conducting research, or volunteering in the community. The RPAP hopes that through the Award process, communities will recognize the contributions of their physicians and more physicians  will choose and continue to practice in  rural Alberta.

"This Award process," says Dr. Odell Olson, RPAP Coordinating Committee Chair, "demonstrates that not only do the nominees contribute to their profession, but their communities also recognize their contributions in many volunteer areas." Dr. Boorman received his award at a community celebration co-hosted by RPAP and the Rimbey community on Friday, June 4th. The Honourable Halvar Jonson, Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations and MLA for Ponoka-Rimbey, represented the Alberta Government at the event.

Nominations for the Award this year were received from Camrose, Consort, Edson, Lethbridge, Peace River, Picture Butte, Ponoka, Rimbey, Spirit River, Three Hills, Viking, Vulcan, and Whitecourt.