Five first-year medical students got hands-on experience in rural healthcare last week, thanks to a collaboration between Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) and the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP).
Known as ROMP Week, the annual initiative gives medical students from across Ontario the chance to learn about the benefits-and unique challenges-of practising in smaller communities like Northumberland County.
Students shadowed family physicians in local clinics and participated in hospital rotations across several departments. Participating preceptors included Drs. Everdell, Cameron, Cornish, Hasan Lebbe, Smith, and Haunts.
“We’re thrilled to support this kind of immersive learning,” said NHH officials. “It’s a great way to show future doctors the strengths of rural medicine.”
Beyond clinical work, the students were also treated to an array of social activities, including dragon boating with the Cobourg Dragon Boat Club, a Capitol Theatre performance, and a community trivia night with local doctors at The Thirsty Goose in Port Hope.
Organisers hope experiences like ROMP Week will encourage more students to consider careers in rural medicine and return to communities like Northumberland in the future.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
