Rural Medicine Sparks Student Interest

On November 19, 2022, Southern Health-Santé Sud and the Portage Clinic group hosted the Rural Interest Group from the University of Manitoba. First- and second-year medical students had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and exposure to rural medicine. The students participated in the educational sessions facilitated by the physicians from Portage Clinic in Portage la Prairie.

Upon arrival to the event, the students participated in a variety of stations to practice and enhance their skill sets. This included training sessions by local physicians where participants practiced ECG basics, gynecology, suturing, SIM Man, airway, ultrasound, etc. They also received a tour around the clinic.

Rural Interest Group is one of the first opportunities for students to engage with rural medicine and gain hands-on training from rural physicians. This event also helps students to decide on the kinds of programs and educational opportunities that are available to them in rural medicine, such as:

• Rural Week - for first-year medical students
• Home for the Summer - for first- and second-year medical students
• Program electives and selectives
• Residency
• Future practice locations

Pictured are first- and second-year medical students from the U of M with physicians in Portage la Prairie.