New Agreement Enables N.B. Medical Students to Train at Home

New Brunswick medical students studying at the University of Ottawa can now complete part of their clinical rotations in their home province. A recent agreement between Horizon Health and the University of Ottawa enables these students to engage in essential core training within New Brunswick. This initiative aims to encourage local medical graduates to establish their careers in the province.

Typically, clinical rotations occur during a student’s third year of medical study, providing hands-on experience in various medical fields. According to Ken Gillespie, Horizon’s Regional Director of Medical Education, the idea for this agreement originated two years ago when a doctor from Moncton Hospital discussed the possibility with a colleague at the University of Ottawa. Gillespie emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that encourage New Brunswick residents to return home for their medical training.

“Students are most likely to stay where they do their training,” Gillespie stated in an interview with CBC Radio’s Shift – NB. He highlighted that by allowing students to train in New Brunswick, they can build professional relationships with local physicians and gain insight into the healthcare system in their home province.

Strengthening Local Healthcare Connections

The new program aims to enhance the local healthcare landscape by increasing the number of physicians practicing in New Brunswick. Gillespie noted that the familiarity students gain during their training is critical in attracting them to work in the province. “Having familiarity with the system is always a great bonus,” he added.

Importantly, the agreement is designed to minimize any additional burden on New Brunswick hospitals. Currently, these facilities already accommodate around 40 medical students annually from Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Gillespie reassured that the number of University of Ottawa students participating in this program will be limited, typically ranging from one to three each year.

Collaborative Efforts in Medical Education

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance medical education in New Brunswick. The province has established partnerships with various institutions, including Dalhousie University, Memorial University, and Sherbrooke University, to support medical training. Gillespie expressed optimism that these collaborative efforts will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for residents of New Brunswick.

With this new agreement, the province aims to retain more of its medical talent, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively.