Meet Sarah Lonz: The New Site Manager at Canmore General Hospital

A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Commitment

Introducing Sarah Lonz, the newly appointed Site Manager, Rural Operations at Canmore General Hospital. With an impressive background in nursing and a genuine passion for enhancing healthcare systems, Sarah is poised to make a significant impact in her new role. Her journey from a child intrigued by hospital staff and their commitment to helping others to a dynamic healthcare leader is both inspiring and heartwarming. 

At the Canmore Hospital Foundation, we work closely with hospital staff, particularly leaders like Sarah, to determine and fulfill the needs of our local hospital. From identifying critical medical equipment needs to facility upgrades such as the renovation of the Emergency Department, we lean on the staff to lead the way in ensuring our contributions help make their jobs easier and the quality of care their patients receive the best it can possibly be. 

After speaking with Sarah, we’re delighted to welcome her to the Canmore Hospital community and we’re confident that she will have a substantial and lasting impact in her new role. Sarah’s role will touch us all, whether directly or indirectly, and we’re excited to introduce her to the community. With that, here’s what you need to know about our hospital’s new Site Manager. 

From Early Inspirations to Nursing

Sarah’s path to nursing began in her early years, shaped by personal experiences that left a profound mark on her. Growing up in a family of five children, including twin brothers, one of whom has spina bifida, Sarah spent a considerable amount of time in hospitals. "From a young age, I was in and out of hospitals with my brother. I found the hospital environment fascinating—I loved chatting with the nurses, observing rounds, and learning from the doctors," Sarah recalls. 

This early exposure to the healthcare environment ignited Sarah’s passion for nursing. "I realized that nursing was the perfect way for me to make a difference. It aligned with my personal philosophy of leaving the world better than I found it. Nursing offered me the chance to care for people and have a meaningful impact on their lives," she shares.

A Transition from Banff to Canmore

Sarah’s career took flight in Banff, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. During her years in Banff, Sarah embraced a hands-on approach to patient care before eventually transitioning into a leadership role. "Banff was an incredible place to start my career. The tight-knit community and the unique healthcare needs there provided valuable experiences that shaped my professional growth," she explains.

A pivotal moment in Sarah’s career came when she transitioned into management in Banff. Encouraged by her then-manager, Sarah took on a leadership role, a move that allowed her to influence healthcare on a broader scale. "My manager at the time saw potential in me for a leadership role and encouraged me to step into it. This transition was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to drive systemic changes and improve patient care from a higher vantage point," Sarah recalls.

Embracing New Challenges in Canmore

Now in her new role as Site Manager, Rural Operations at Canmore General Hospital, Sarah is excited about the opportunities to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare in the Bow Valley. Her responsibilities go beyond managing the hospital; she’s dedicated to improving the overall patient experience and streamlining processes to benefit the community.

"While I miss the hands-on patient care, my current role allows me to support our staff and optimize the system. This, in turn, positively impacts the entire community and the patients we serve," Sarah explains.

Sarah’s leadership approach is rooted in collaboration and community engagement. "Leadership isn’t just about making top-down decisions. It’s about harnessing the collective strengths of the team and working together to create a more effective system. I believe in tapping into diverse perspectives and using them to drive positive change," she emphasizes.

Current Education and Future Goals

In addition to her professional role, Sarah is currently pursuing further education, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. She is working on her Masters of Leadership in Healthcare at Royal Roads, driven by her desire to deepen her understanding of large-scale systems change within the healthcare space. "I’m passionate about continuing my education because it allows me to stay at the forefront of healthcare advancements and apply new knowledge to improve patient care and system efficiency," Sarah shares.

A Personal Touch

Outside of her professional life, Sarah is an avid outdoor enthusiast. Her weekends are often spent hiking and trail running in the breathtaking landscapes around Canmore. "I love choosing a mountain to climb or a trail to run. It’s my way of connecting with nature and recharging," she says.

Sarah also balances her time between Canmore and Ottawa, where her family resides. Managing a long-distance relationship with her fiancé, who is pursuing his MBA in London, Ontario, adds another layer to her busy life. "It’s a bit of a juggling act, but it’s worth it to stay connected with my loved ones and support my fiancé’s journey," she adds. Sarah also sits on a number of local non-profit boards. She is a true community champion and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside her to better healthcare in Canmore and beyond. 

Why Canmore & The Canmore Hospital is Special

Reflecting on her transition from Banff to Canmore, Sarah notes the distinct qualities that make Canmore special. "Canmore has its own unique charm. The community here is incredibly supportive, and there’s a strong sense of connection among residents. It’s a place where you can really feel the impact of community engagement and collective effort," she says. Overall, though, she notes that our local hospital is special because of the people. “It’s the people, 100% the people. They’re the heartbeat of the hospital, in a way, because it couldn’t run without them. Everyone here has been so supportive and appreciative, with a culture of openness and transparency. If something's going on, it's brought forward, and we talk about it. The people here truly make this place amazing."

Sarah Lonz’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving healthcare systems. Her journey from a hospital-curious child to a leader at Canmore General Hospital is a testament to her resilience and passion. We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah and look forward to the positive changes she will bring to our community.