The following was submitted by Docs By The Bay
Docs By the Bay Physician Recruitment and Retention Program is excited to announce the successful completion of another Community Week program. This is an immersive program that provides first year medical students from the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University with a unique opportunity to experience the practice of rural medicine and gain exposure to the rural lifestyle in Quinte West and Brighton.
During this transformative week, the students were exposed to various aspects of rural healthcare, gaining invaluable insights into the challenges, rewards, and unique medical needs of rural communities. As well as working in family medicine clinics, the students experienced healthcare at Trenton Memorial Hospital, working alongside physicians in the emergency department, the operating room and on the in-patient floor. Two of the Ottawa medical students, who are military members, spent part of their week working with the physicians at 24 Health Services Clinic at 8 Wing Trenton. Through shadowing experienced preceptors, the students gained practical insights into the diverse healthcare needs and patient populations of rural communities.
By immersing themselves in Quinte West and Brighton, the students also had the opportunity to foster strong community connections, and experience the enriching aspects of a rural lifestyle. Accommodations were graciously provided by a cottage owner on the Bay of Quinte. For some of the students, it was their first time at a waterfront cottage. They enjoyed tours of the local communities given by members of council. As well, they experienced local cuisine at popular area restaurants, and a visit to a local escape room for a challenging evening of fun.
Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as eye-opening and transformative. The opportunity to immerse themselves in a rural environment allowed them to develop a deep appreciation for the holistic nature of rural medicine and the close-knit communities they serve. “The physicians and staff in Trenton were incredibly kind and went out of their way to provide meaningful teaching opportunities during my placement. Even in the midst of a busy clinic or ER day, the docs always took the time to explain things and provide hands-on learning experiences,” remarked Lisa Lavalle, one of the Queen’s medical students.
Events such as Community Week, offer Docs by the Bay the opportunity to start the recruitment process at the early stage of the medical student’s training. The results of this program and the dedication of our preceptors are starting to pay off. We have had three former Community Week students return for learning rotations later in med school or during residency, based on the great time they had here during their community week.
Docs by the Bay would like to acknowledge and send a special thanks to the local physician preceptors who gave of their time to educate these young aspiring doctors on the realities of practising medicine in a rural setting. Community Week would not be possible without them.
Docs By The Bay is sponsored by Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, the City of Quinte West and the Municipality of Brighton.
