2021 Community Stars!

"When asked what the Power of Rural means to her considering where she came from and where she is today, she turned her focus to those she serves. “I am grateful to my patients for all that they have taught me about community and resilience and beauty in this sub-arctic region. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here.”

“It’s important for new doctors who serve our clinics to understand that rural is all about community. It’s not about the facility; it’s about the support you receive from teachers, the sheriff, the fire and county health departments, and non-profits. You’re going to need everyone in the community to come together to be successful.”

“This program isn’t just me,” says Donovan. “You’re only a star if you have a bright team. Everyone is working together to be flexible and creative. You might say we are a finely-greased wheel.”

At age 17, Tory’s road to recovery was the driver for where he is today. He shared, “I was very inspired by those around me, also in recovery. They showed me that a life in recovery was possible. I realized early in my recovery that I wanted to work in the field and began volunteering for an agency working with adolescents.” Now, 25 years in recovery, he says that he continues to be inspired and feels, “...incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what I do.”

“Rural practice and living are not for everyone; however, giving them all the information needed to make the best decision is imperative to ensure success for the physician and family, the practice and staff, as well as the community.”