University of Manitoba Students Experience Rural Medicine Firsthand

Medical students from the University of Manitoba participated in a hands-on workshop focused on rural medicine during the annual Rural Interest Group (RIG) event held on January 23-24, 2023, in Brandon and Minnedosa. A total of 75 first- and second-year students attended this workshop, which aimed to provide insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of practicing medicine in rural settings.

The RIG workshop partnered with Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), Health Careers Manitoba, and the Max Rady College of Medicine. Co-chair of the RIG, Zeta Ward, emphasized the importance of exposing students to rural medicine, particularly for those who have primarily trained in urban environments. “Many students don’t have much experience going outside the perimeter,” Ward stated. “This gives them a chance to see what it looks like to practice in rural settings and how the practice can differ from urban medicine.”

Throughout the weekend, students rotated through various clinical skills stations, including suturing, emergency airway management, casting, and ultrasound use. These stations provided practical experience with procedures that are often not part of the early medical school curriculum. Participants also toured local hospitals and engaged with healthcare professionals from the region.

Ward, a second-year medical student from St. Francis Xavier, highlighted the flexibility and rewarding nature of rural family medicine. “As a rural doctor, you can practice in many different areas,” she said. “There’s a lot of flexibility. If you like something, you can pursue it, and if your interests change, you can adapt.”

The weekend reinforced the desire to return to rural medicine among students like Harald Grove, who noted the excellent teaching and hands-on experiences. “Getting people out to rural locations early is important — not just for familiarity, but hopefully to practice there one day,” Grove remarked.

The RIG weekend plays an essential role in recruiting future healthcare professionals by allowing students to experience the breadth of rural medicine firsthand. Adrian Fung, chief medical officer at PMH, explained that rural practitioners have the opportunity to engage in various areas of medicine, from clinic care to emergency medicine and even obstetrics or surgery. “You’re not limited to one narrow role,” Fung said.

Lifestyle benefits of rural practice were also discussed, including shorter commutes and a better work-life balance. Vital Kalumba, a PMH official, described the region as a “playground” with numerous outdoor activities available, such as camping, fishing, and hiking, while still being close to urban amenities in Winnipeg.

This year’s RIG workshop attracted significant interest, with 150 students applying for just 75 available spots. According to PMH, this increasing demand reflects a growing curiosity among students about rural medicine. A similar workshop is also conducted annually in Swan River, along with other opportunities for rural exposure through programs like the Brandon-based residency stream and the longitudinal integrated clerkship for third-year students.

The importance of early exposure to rural medicine for workforce stability cannot be overstated. Uzoma Asagwara, the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, stated in a recent PMH press release that introducing medical students to rural practice early in their training is a vital step for recruitment and retention in these communities.

PMH expressed gratitude to the regional physicians, staff, volunteers, and sponsors, including the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation and the Minnedosa CDC/Tourism Board, for their support in making the RIG weekend a success.