In Canada, about six million people live in rural and remote areas, making up nearly 20% of the population.
However, less than ten percent of doctors practice in these regions.
Despite this, the number of physicians in rural areas has been steadily increasing since 2013. Recent emergency room closures due to staff shortages have highlighted the urgent need for more healthcare professionals.
Discovery Healthcare, is a summer camp designed for high school students interested in medicine, nursing, dentistry, paramedics, kinesiology, and other healthcare professions, led by medical students, the camp provides hands-on clinical skills, exposure to local health issues, and insights into various healthcare careers.
Discovery Healthcare is offered in eight communities, including Goderich promoting social accountability and encouraging a sustainable future healthcare system.
Through a blend of workshops, lectures, and recreational activities, the camp aims to build confidence and passion in youth exploring healthcare careers.
Campers engage in special learning experiences, including:
Clinical skills sessions (suturing, casting, stethoscope activities, wound dressing)
Talks from healthcare professionals and opportunities for clinical exposure (job shadowing)
Discussions involving the path to various healthcare professions (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, EMS, and dentistry)
Stand Up for Health (teaching Social Determinants of Health)
An introduction to case-based learning and sample diagnostic cases
Recreation sessions incorporating fun and team-building activities
Discovery Healthcare is being offered in eight communities, with programs running from 8:30am – 4:30pm daily:
Week 1: July 8-12, 2024
Goderich in partnership with Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health
Sarnia in partnership with Bluewater Health and Lambton College
Chatham in partnership with Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
St. Thomas in partnership with the St. Thomas General Hospital
Week 2: July 15-19, 2024
Stratford in partnership with Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
Windsor in partnership with the University of Windsor
Owen Sound in partnership with Brightshores Health System
Woodstock in partnership with Woodstock Hospital
Cost for this program is $325.oo plus tax.
Registration for this event is now open and you can register here: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/distributededucation/discovery_healthcare_program/campers.html
Written by: K. Milhomens