First-year medical students received a first-hand look at how the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance provides care.
It was all part of the 28th annual Discovery Week. Held from June 1-5, it provided an opportunity for aspiring health-care practitioners to experience medicine on the front line in a real-world environment.
Students, from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University were part of the initiative that sees medical students’ team up with doctors in an immersive experience. They are paired with physicians across a range of specialties to shadow care teams throughout the hospital.
At CKHA, students gained a “deeper understanding” of rural and regional medicine.
“Immersive placements like this give future physicians a real sense of what it’s like to live and practice in our community,” said CKHA chief of staff Dr. Zeke Milkovic in a media release. “Our physicians are proud to open their doors to students, and experiences like shadowing and hands-on learning help show just how rewarding community-based care can be.”
Dr. Victor Ng, assistant dean, Distributed Education, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, said community partnerships play a “vital role” in our student’s medical education.
“We are grateful for this long-standing partnership with CKHA,” Ng stated.
In addition to clinical shadowing, students also take part in interactive skills-based learning sessions, including simulation-style activity blocks such as casting workshops and CPR competitions, giving them a chance to practice foundational clinical skills in a supportive environment.
