A doctor in Wainwright is receiving recognition for her 38 years of service in the community.
Dr. Beverly Brilz is the winner of the 2020 Rhapsody Rural Physicians Award. The award is given to doctors who practice in the same rural community for at least ten consecutive years. Brilz says she’s surprised to receive the award.
“I knew I had been nominated but I really didn’t expect to win. It was very nice to hear,“ she says. “It’s quite an honour and Wainwright has become my home over the last 38 years and I’m unlikely to go anywhere else.”
She says she’s always wanted to be in medicine since about grade 4. Brilz has been a part of the community after coming to Wainwright as a young doctor in 1982. She had originally planned to stay there for a few years.
“After a few years you get to know people and it’s a nice supportive community. It’s grown over time and you get a little bit lazy about moving.”
She currently runs her own clinic, Brilz Associates Clinic, located on 201 9 Street and works in the Wainwright Health Centre. Brilz has been a large part of the community through their local Rotary Club and has donated to local causes including raising money for a CT scanner.
“I’ve been pretty privileged. I’ve been able to do what I like to do for a living and help people. I figured if I have that privilege I should spread the luck around because other people aren’t as privileged.”
The award is presented by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan. It is a non-profit organization established in 1991 by the Government of Alberta to help rural Albertans build strategies to attract and retain health professionals to rural communities.