Medal for Excellence and Achievement in Rural/Remote Medicine
Dr. Jonathan Somerville is a rural family physician practicing full-scope family medicine in Sundre, Alberta. His work in medical education, faculty development, emergency medicine and mental health exemplifies a deep passion for ensuring all Albertans have access to world-class health care.
Dr. Sommerville has fostered growth in both students and colleagues in rural health care spaces. In his role as primary preceptor and Co-director of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (UCLIC), he has inspired students to return to rural communities as locum or permanent physicians. As Co-chair of Foundational Skills for Faculty Development, Dr. Somerville played a pivotal role in planning rural development conferences (Cabin Fever, Southern Alberta Preceptor Summit, N*62) and presenting webinars and sessions at these conferences. Additionally, he has worked extensively to ensure the needs of rural health care faculty are met while bringing new educational programs to rural communities, including his establishment of a simulation center, bringing the EDE Boot Camp ultrasound education and the integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in his town of Sundre.
After the pandemic, Dr. Somerville noticed the limitations in rural adolescents' access to mental health care. Upon completion of his CanReach mini fellowship in pediatric mental health, he partnered with Peaks to Prairies Primary Care Network (PCN) and created an on-site mental health clinic in the local High School for students and families to access mental health care. His work on-site in this clinic has helped students in his community stay in school, improve their mental well-being and increase grades. Additionally, for patients with treatment-resistant depression and limited options in his rural community, Dr. Somerville began a Ketamine infusion clinic to help patients receive treatment close to home. This program's success was used as a model for the Red Deer Regional Hospital's development of its inpatient and outpatient ketamine treatment programs.
Dr. Sommerville is a member of the AMA’s Section of Rural Medicine and has done pivotal work in AMA’s strategy to engage municipalities in stabilizing physician-led primary care. He ensures rural healthcare needs are at the forefront of every conversation he is in, from restructuring and patient care to his community colleagues.