Last week's discovery week students pictured | Image provided
Hospitals throughout Southwestern Ontario will welcome 170 medical students from University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry this week – it’s their 25th annual “Discovery Week”.
The program is mandatory for all first year medical students at Schulich, however, Doctor Shanil Narayan with the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance says that it presents a unique opportunity to give students a look into how rewarding practicing medicine in rural areas can be for physicians.
Dr. Narayan also says that there are a lot of myths about practicing rural medicine that simply aren’t true – you still have access to specialists, research, and continued education, they just might take a slightly different form (such as virtual classes for example).
Corporate Lead of Medical Staff Laurie Roberts says that the program directly translates to more physicians working in our communities.
Students that come out and see the community have a 3-5 times higher chance of coming here and practicing when they finish school.
Dr. Narayan says that the program is also rewarding for the physicians working with the students,
He also says that teaching someone else is a good way to brush up on your knowledge and stay up to date.
Written by: B. Shakyaver