When Dr. Yonabeth Nava de Escalante started her family medicine residency in Chetwynd earlier this year, she stepped into a brand-new training program—and quickly began making a difference. Now, her leadership has been recognized at the provincial level.

Dr. Nava de Escalante received the Resident Leadership Award from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) as part of the 2025 BC Rural Health Awards. The ceremony took place this June in Prince George and celebrated individuals and communities making a difference in rural health care across the province.

The Resident Leadership Award recognizes a medical resident in good academic standing who has shown a sustained interest in rural and remote medicine in B.C.

“I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award,” said Dr. Nava de Escalante. “It means a great deal to be recognized among so many outstanding residents who are also working hard to create change. This award is not just a reflection of my own efforts, but of the many mentors, patients, and colleagues who have shaped my way forward in medicine.”

She is currently completing her first year at the Chetwynd Rural Immersion Site - part of a new residency stream launched in 2024 with eight northern B.C. sites aimed at preparing physicians for rural family practice.

“Yonabeth consistently seeks quality improvement and has initiated several Quality Improvement (QI) endeavors in our community,” said Chetwynd physician Dr. Bron Finkelstein, who co-leads the Rural Immersion Program. “Most notably, she identified pain as a barrier to IUD uptake in our patients and began a QI project using topical anesthetic. This is now expanding into her Scholar Project and has garnered regional research participation throughout the South Peace.”

For Dr. Nava de Escalante, who was first drawn to rural medicine through work with Indigenous communities in the Amazon, her experience in Chetwynd has reaffirmed her path.

“I’m enjoying the profound sense of belonging I’ve found here,” she said. “The community welcomed me with incredible generosity and warmth. I feel connected to the healthcare team and the patients, who have generously shared their stories, culture, and trust.”

She added, “The breathtaking landscapes and unique skies have been a daily reminder of why I chose this path.”