First-year medical students experience rural practice
NORTH WELLINGTON – First-year medical students from Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa recently experienced firsthand what it is like to live, learn and practice medicine in rural Ontario through two successful Rural Ontario Medicine Week programs (ROMP) held May 25 to 29 and June 1 to 5.
Hosted in Minto-Mapleton and Mount Forest, the immersive week-long experiences provided students with hands-on clinical exposure in hospital and family practice settings while introducing them to the many professional and personal benefits of rural medicine.
Throughout the program, students worked alongside physicians and health care teams in clinical environments, gaining insight into patient care across a variety of settings. The experience also included local activities, and social events designed to showcase the welcoming nature of rural communities and the quality of life available outside larger urban centres.
“Programs like Rural Ontario Medicine Week are an important opportunity to introduce future physicians to the unique rewards and challenges of rural healthcare,” said North Wellington Health Care chief of staff Dr. Christine Peterkin.
“By connecting students with our health care professionals and communities early in their training, we hope to inspire the next generation of rural physicians.”
As health care organizations across Ontario continue to address physician recruitment needs, programs such as the ROMP Week play an important role in encouraging medical students to consider careers in rural practice, said organizers.
The organizers extend their thanks to the physicians, health care staff, municipal and community partners whose support made both weeks a success.
