Growing up in small town Alberta Dr. Edward Schaffer’s early life was shaped by the sports of his community; hockey and rodeo. At the age of 16, he bravely took up bareback riding, only to be bucked off, marking one of his many encounters with a spine board.

A couple years later, he and his cousins thought they would give wild horse racing a try. Dr. Schaffer’s horse racing career ended the next year with a kick to the face and knee. After recovering, he completed his diploma in emergency services technology and worked in the oil and gas industry as a firefighter and paramedic. But his aspirations didn’t stop there.

At 24, Dr. Schaffer pursued a degree in human nutrition followed by medical school and a residency on Vancouver Island. His childhood vacations to the Columbia Valley had left a lasting impression, and he seized the opportunity to complete an eight-week residency in Invermere. During this time, he fell in love with the staff, nurses, and patients; cementing his desire to return to the community.

In 2016, Dr. Schaffer and his wife Brittany made the decision to move to Invermere, where he began his medical practice at the Chisel Peak Medical Centre. Dr. Schaffer’s journey took an exciting turn when his cousin, a manager for the medical support team at the Calgary Stampede, offered him a chance to reconnect with his rodeo roots.

Filling in for the retiring head physician, Dr. John Zubis, Dr. Schaffer discovered a new passion for sports medicine. By 2021, he had taken over as the full-time doctor for the Calgary Stampede and began consulting with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine team.

Initially, Dr. Schaffer hadn’t considered a career in sports medicine. However, his training as a certified emergency room doctor, adept at handling fast-paced, dynamic situations, proved invaluable. He finds immense satisfaction in being part of a team that supports elite athletes in achieving their goals.

Rodeo athletes have a different approach to pain, often riding with injuries; if they don’t compete they don’t get paid. Dr. Schaffer is quick to credit the pickup men and bullfighters as the first line of defence for rodeo athletes, noting the incredible skill in keeping riders out of dangers way. His involvement in rodeo has also opened doors for his son Calder, who has enjoyed behind-the-scenes experiences and participated in steer riding camps.

Dr. Schaffer’s commitment to sports medicine also extends to his local practice here in Invermere, where he supports the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team. Young hockey players who often move to the area require both routine visits and sport related assistance.

Dr. Schaffer’s journey highlights the unique and fulfilling opportunities that await medical professionals in the Columbia Valley.

For those considering a move, the region offers a supportive community, a variety of opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

To learn more about practicing medicine in the Columbia Valley visit www.invermeredoctors.ca.

Photos submitted

Submitted by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development

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