Dr. Celeste Rains Named KEMSA Physician of the Year for 2026

Logan County EMS is proud to announce that Dr. Celeste Rains has been selected as the 2026 Physician of the Year by the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association (KEMSA).

This prestigious award recognizes a physician who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to emergency medical services and has made a lasting impact on EMS providers, patients, and communities throughout Kansas. For those who know Dr. Rains, this recognition comes as no surprise.

Logan Co. EMS Director, Candy Aschenbrenner & former Director, Bob Kelly presented Dr. Rains with a plaque recognizing her 25 years as Logan Co. EMS Medical Director. She will be recognized for her KEMSA Award in August at the Annual KEMSA Conference.

For many years, Dr. Rains has been a passionate advocate for rural healthcare and emergency medical services. Her unwavering commitment to patient care, provider education, and EMS excellence has positively influenced countless EMS professionals and the communities they serve.

As Medical Director for Logan County EMS, Dr. Rains has provided outstanding leadership, medical oversight, and mentorship. Whether assisting with protocol development, reviewing patient care, supporting continuing education, or serving as a trusted resource for providers, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping EMS professionals deliver the highest quality care possible.

Dr. Rains will be recognized during the KEMSA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Manhattan Convention Center in Manhattan, Kansas. The ceremony is part of the annual KEMSA Conference & Expo, which will be held August 13–16, 2026. During the ceremony, award winners from across the state will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to emergency medical services in Kansas. A full list of those winners can be found here.

On behalf of everyone at Logan County EMS, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Celeste Rains, on being named KEMSA's 2026 Physician of the Year. Thank you for your continued service, leadership, and commitment to the providers and patients of Logan County and beyond. We are honored to work alongside her and celebrate this well-deserved recognition.