Rainy Lake Medical Center is proud to announce that two of its outstanding leaders have been recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) for their exceptional contributions to health care in Minnesota.
Elizabeth “Liz” Lessard, a family practice provider at Rainy Lake Medical Center, received the Excellence in Caregiving Award, honoring her commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families in the community.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Lessard. “Providing care to our patients is a privilege, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that puts people first every single day.”
Dick Peterson, chairperson of the Rainy Lake Medical Center Board of Trustees, was honored with the Trustee Excellence Award for his steadfast leadership and advocacy in guiding the organization’s mission and vision.
“It’s humbling to be recognized among so many dedicated leaders across the state,” said Peterson. “I’m proud of the work we’re doing at Rainy Lake Medical Center to serve our community and strengthen rural health care.”
These prestigious awards were presented during MHA’s annual meeting, where 40 individuals and teams from across the state were recognized for advancing sustainability, quality, safety, and innovation in Minnesota’s hospital and health systems. MHA also celebrated the contributions of hospital volunteers, trustees and state lawmakers who support the health of Minnesota communities.
Robb Pastor, CEO of RLMC said the recognitions aren’t just awards, they’re reflections of the compassion, leadership and commitment that define the organization.
“Recognitions like this are no longer isolated—they’ve become part of who we are as an organization,” he said. “Our staff and providers are putting RLMC and International Falls on the map, not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about the people we serve. The commitment Liz and Dick have shown to RLMC reflects that spirit, and it inspires all of us to keep raising the bar in the care we deliver and the choices we make for our future.”
About Rainy Lake Medical Center
Rainy Lake Medical Center is a leading provider of top-notch medical services for the Borderland communities. Our comprehensive range of services includes emergency care, surgery, cardiology rehabilitation and diagnostics, chemotherapy and infusion therapy, family medicine clinics, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, therapy services, sleep studies, laboratory services, respiratory therapy, and orthopedics. RLMC is committed to delivering compassionate care to all our patients. Additionally, we offer both acute and skilled nursing services through our swing bed care program. For more information, visit: rainylakemedical.com.
Liz Lessard’s nomination:
It’s not just clinical skills that save lives, it’s compassion, dedication and commitment by a provider to their patients. Rainy Lake Medical Center’s Elizabeth “Liz” Lessard, DNP, FNP, embodies all these qualities. As the first to recognize the seriousness of a colleague’s condition, Liz remained a constant source of support and advocacy throughout his several-month journey, becoming more than a provider, but a lifeline and a friend.
Brian Rauzi, RLMC’s chief operating officer, faced several life-threating health complications last summer. What began as a routine appendectomy escalated into a post-surgical infection and culminated in cardiac arrest. Through every setback, Liz remained a constant presence, even hundreds of miles away. For Brian, and so many others, Liz has shown she is more than a provider, she is an incredible caregiver. It is with great honor to nominate Liz Lessard for the Excellence in Caregiving Award.
Brian began not feeling well on a busy Friday afternoon last summer. Liz made room in her schedule to ensure his condition didn’t worsen into the weekend. Her professional instincts led to the diagnosis of appendicitis, and she immediately tapped into her professional network to coordinate emergency surgery 100 miles away. These actions set the stage for Brian’s life-saving intervention.
While Brian was hospitalized outside the community with a post-surgical infection that eventually led to cardiac arrest, Liz continued to check in regularly – even on weekends – offering guidance, encouragement and heartfelt concern. For Brian, knowing that Liz was still watching over his care from afar brought comfort during a time of uncertainty. As unfamiliar faces were in and out of Brian’s care, the frequent check-ins from Liz brought reassurance to not only Brian, but his wife, too.
“We needed the compassion and comfort we could only get from our hometown provider,” Brian said. “Knowing Liz cared enough to constantly reach out meant the world to my wife and me. When I finally returned to RLMC, Liz was right there to greet me with a big hug.”
While Brian’s story is remarkable, it is just one of many Liz has been part of. Liz’s impact extends far beyond individual patient interactions. She is a leader, a trusted colleague and a pillar of the International Falls community. Her ability to blend clinical excellence with heartfelt compassion is rare and deeply valued. She exemplifies the spirit of caregiving in every sense through her actions, her empathy and her commitment to patient well-being. Every provider could have done for Brian what Liz did clinically, but it’s everything else she did that makes her an extraordinary caregiver.
International Falls and the surrounding communities are incredibly fortunate to have Liz Lessard at Rainy Lake Medical Center. Her dedication, skill and kindness make her a truly deserving recipient of the Excellence in Caregiving Award.
Dick Peterson’s nomination:
It is my privilege to nominate Richard (Dick) Peterson, Chairperson of the Rainy Lake Medical Center (RLMC) Board of Trustees, for the Minnesota Hospital Association’s Trustee of the Year Award.
Dick exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and engaged leader. He prioritizes building meaningful relationships with RLMC employees, striving to be more than just a familiar name, he is a trusted and respected presence. Whether serving lunch at employee picnics, marching alongside staff in community parades or participating in offsite leadership trainings, Dick is consistently present and approachable. He greets staff by name in the hallways and is held in high regard across all departments.
With over 50 years of service to RLMC, first as a pharmacist and now as Board Chair, Dick brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to his role. His leadership has been crucial in advancing RLMC’s strategic goals and driving cultural transformation. Dick has attended every related training and event, ensuring RLMC’s mission and vision are deeply embedded in the organization’s culture. His hands-on involvement has helped solidify a lasting cultural shift that will endure through future leadership transitions.
In 2022, Dick earned certification through the MHA Trustee Council’s voluntary board program, a direct WHAT to his commitment to continuous learning and governance excellence. This program is designed to elevate strong board members into exceptional ones, a perfect description of Dick. He has also encouraged fellow trustees to pursue certification, further strengthening the board’s collective effectiveness.
As RLMC prepares to build a new, state-of-the-art facility, Dick’s forward-thinking perspective and deep understanding of healthcare — both regionally and statewide — have been valuable in moving the project forward. He recognizes the importance of public trust and is helping to shape a facility that will serve the community for generations to come.
Beyond his trustee role, Dick serves on the RLMC Foundation Board, actively supporting philanthropic efforts to enhance patient care through upgraded services and equipment. He is also a dedicated member of several local boards and community groups, where he continues to champion RLMC and its evolving culture.
Dick Peterson embodies all qualities MHA describes in who to select as Trustee of the Year Award. His dedication, thoughtful leadership and genuine care for people make him an inspiration to trustees, executives and staff alike. Dick is a true champion, and someone everyone is proud to have in their corner.