02/05/2026
We are pleased to shine a spotlight on Erin Ratelle, Research Coordinator at Sault Area Hospital, who is the recipient of the 2026 Algoma Visionary Award – Health Sciences Industry Award, presented by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce and the STRIVE Young Professionals Group.
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Erin’s journey took her to southern Ontario for post-secondary education before returning home in 2017 while completing her master’s degree. Later pursuing her PhD in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation at the University of Alberta. During the pandemic, Erin made the decision to return to Sault Ste. Marie—drawn back by Lake Superior’s shores, the outdoor lifestyle. Both Erin and her husband have strong ties within the local cycling community, which largely contributed to their decision to remain in the Sault.
Erin joined SAH in May 2025 and works jointly with the Sault Ste. Marie Academic Medical Association (SSM AMA) an organization dedicated to supporting NOSM University physicians with clinical teaching and research. In her role, Erin brings a strong commitment to collaboration, partnership, and re-imagining what healthcare research can look like in a northern community.
Two guiding principles shape Erin’s work: the importance of sharing research knowledge beyond academia, and rethinking who gets to participate in research and what counts as research in the first place. She actively challenges the traditional “ivory tower” model, advocating for research that is accessible, collaborative, and rooted in two-way learning between researchers and the community.
As Erin puts it, research doesn’t have to feel distant or exclusive—it can be driven by curiosity, creativity, and shared expertise, all with the goal of improving patient care.
As Research Coordinator, Erin plays a key role in supporting and advancing a wide range of collaborative research initiatives across Sault Area Hospital. Through the SAH Research Office, she works closely with physician principal investigators to help move projects from concept to implementation. Current initiatives include gamified infection prevention and control education with Dr. Castellani; exercise interventions for chemotherapy patients alongside Dr. Febbraro; research focused on detecting heart disease and blocked arteries with Dr. Abazid; testing new technologies to improve urology care with Dr. Noureldin; and piloting a virtual emergency department queue in collaboration with Dr. Smith.
While many of these initiatives are still in the early stages, it is exciting to see the breadth of work underway. What is especially notable is the wide scope of these projects across SAH, including oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases, urology, physician recruitment, and administrative improvements.
Erin learned of her nomination through an email, as nominators remain confidential. She is grateful that receiving this award has provided a platform to highlight the importance of healthcare research and its direct impact on patient care—even at the local level.
Congratulations, Erin!
