A small dose of rural life has turned out to be the perfect prescription for a group of three future doctors. Medical students Riley Workman, Matthew Van Otterloo, and Zana Alai, spent the last week of May in Niverville. All three agreed that this has been a vital part of their education.
Rural Week, a part of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine curriculum, gives first-year medical students the opportunity to experience not only what rural medicine is like, but rural life as well.
“It allows those who have never experienced rural medicine before to get a feel for what the field is like,” says Workman, “and to understand the opportunities that are available for a career and a special kind of lifestyle within a smaller community.”
“It is very important to get exposure to rural communities,” Van Otterloo agrees, “in order to both understand the unique health needs that exist as well as the strengths that make these communities the wonderful places they are!”
Alai concurs. “Understanding the unique strengths and challenges that rural communities face will allow me to more effectively advocate as a future healthcare provider.”
Heather Cassady, receptionist at the town office, created a jam-packed itinerary for the students that included more than mentorship by Drs. Chris and Mairi Burnett at the Niverville Medical Clinic. They also attended a dinner party with medical professionals, toured the GORP production factory, and visited the Crystal Springs Hutterite Colony with town councillors. They ended their busy week discussing medicine as a possible career choice with the Grade 12 students at Niverville Collegiate.
“The medical professionals, town council, and Chamber of Commerce members were instrumental in making our stay most enjoyable,” Workman says. “The Burnetts were incredible mentors and it was amazing to see them work side by side in the clinic… The best part was seeing how they personally interacted with their patients. I think this is very underrated in medicine today.”
“The warmth and sense of welcome was amazing,” Van Otterloo says. “As a result of this experience, I am strongly thinking of living and working in a small community.”
“I too am grateful,” responds Alai, “for the time spent with wonderful doctors, healthcare providers, and the hardworking and innovative leaders, farmers, and business owners of this community.”
