Roots of Compassion

Bringing a Holistic Care Approach to Saddle Hills County

Palvi Sharma | Saddle Hills County

Nurse Practitioner Palvi Sharma

Growing up in Northern India in the Punjab region, Palvi Sharma says she knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in wellness. Today, Sharma is fulfilling that dream in Northern Alberta as she shines in her role as nurse practitioner in Saddle Hills County.

Influenced and supported by her parents, Sharma took note of how they always helped others, which instilled kindness and empathy in her—two qualities that have become essential for a career in healthcare.

“My mother always wanted to be a nurse but wasn’t able to, so she was really supportive of that career path for me. My father was a teacher and was a strong believer in education,” said Sharma.

Sharma now lives in Spirit River with her husband Sumit Gour who works in IT from home. The fact her husband works remotely allowed Sharma to accept the job when a recruiting company contacted her.

Nurse Practitioner Palvi Sharma with her husband, Sumit Gour

Sharma says the call came at the perfect time as she had recently lost her job at a clinic she was working at in Halifax.

“After only a few days of being without a job, I received a random phone call from a recruiting agency working for Saddle Hills County. I was put in touch with the CAO of the county, Cary Merritt, and he told me about the opportunity,” said Sharma.

Sharma was looking for a position with purpose and something that would allow her to make a meaningful impact.

Hearing about the widening gaps in healthcare and the dire need for healthcare practitioners really ignited Sharma’s interest and excitement. She says she immediately knew this was something she wanted to be a part of.

“Starting a clinic from scratch in a community where there is limited healthcare is a rewarding experience, and I am very excited to be a part of it,” said Sharma.

Sharma credits her upbringing for her strong values of treating the entire patient in a holistic way. She says her parents instilled deep beliefs about the importance of compassion and patience.

“I am able to approach the challenges with my patients—not only with my acquired technical skills but also with a broader approach that considers their physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” said Sharma.

Building strong relationships with her patients is one of the many things Sharma says she loves about working in a smaller centre.

“I play a very important role in a community with limited primary care practitioners and being a part of the solution in this gap in healthcare gives me a strong sense of purpose,” said Sharma.

Having lived in many different regions in Canada over the last 14 years—from landing first in Ontario to spending a couple years in Saskatchewan to working and studying in various places on the east coast—Sharma says the smaller rural communities with big hearts like Spirit River are a win for her and her husband.

“It is in the quiet rural areas like Saddle Hills that I can really see the support people have for each other. There is a strong sense of togetherness that you don’t experience in cities,” said Sharma.

Sharma says her and her husband have integrated into the community and look forward to being invited to more gatherings.

From getting out and playing sports to just relaxing in the peaceful natural environment, Sharma says she now knows how to integrate and find fulfillment in rural Northern Alberta communities.

“My advice to whoever is thinking about moving to any of our communities up here is to embrace the slower pace of life and be open to making genuine and meaningful connections,” said Sharma. “It’s important to participate in local events and appreciate community togetherness, which makes rural life so special.”

Sharma is filling a vital gap in the healthcare of her community as well as paving the way for more people to embrace taking a chance and moving to Northern Alberta.

“I’m able to make strong and interesting relationships with my patients and provide them with holistic care, which has a direct impact on their health and well being. It is incredibly fulfilling,” said Sharma.

The warm welcome the community has poured onto Sharma and her husband has solidified their decision to settle in the area. Sharma is incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the well being of the people of the community. In both my role as a nurse practitioner and as a member of this very close-knit community, I just want to say how thankful I am for everyone who has helped us settle here,” said Sharma.

By Kelly Pippin | Photography submitted