Medical Clerkship Program Launches to Serve Lambton County’s Future Physicians

A new medical clerkship program has been introduced to connect future physicians with healthcare needs in Lambton County, Ontario. The initiative, a partnership between Western University and Bluewater Health, aims to enhance healthcare access in the region while training medical students.

Among the first cohort is third-year medical student Maggie Parkinson, who aspires to establish a practice in her home community of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Parkinson expressed her desire to provide trusted healthcare to her community, noting, “I think it would be incredible to have somebody from our First Nations and provide that care to them.” Currently, the community only has limited access to healthcare services with no full-time physician available.

The announcement of the clerkship program took place during a news conference on October 16, 2023, at Bluewater Health. Dr. Mike Haddad, chief of staff at the hospital, highlighted the advantages of the program, stating that students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in various medical fields, including surgery and emergency medicine. “The nice thing about our community and the hospital here is that we have a very small student-to-physician ratio, so they’ll have a lot of hands-on one-on-one education with our faculty physicians,” he added.

Addressing the broader issue of physician shortages across Canada, Dr. John Yoo, dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, emphasized the importance of community-based training. He remarked, “We know that where students train is where they ultimately end up working.” The program aims to inspire students to consider a future in communities like Sarnia.

Among the five selected trainees is Philip Skorzewski, who also values the intimate learning environment. Skorzewski previously experienced a similar setting during his time at Windsor University and is eager to replicate that experience in Sarnia. “This is an opportunity not everybody gets to have,” he stated, emphasizing the competitive nature of the selection process with over 190 students in his class.

The trainees began their immersive clinical training last week, marking a significant step towards fostering a new generation of physicians who are equipped to address the healthcare challenges faced by local communities. This program not only aims to enhance medical education but also seeks to improve health outcomes in regions that are often underserved.