Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) is excited to serve as the training ground for ten first-year medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (London and Windsor Campus) during Discovery Week 2023, taking place from May 29 to June 2.
Discovery Week is a specialized learning experience that immerses first-year medical students in rural and regional healthcare environments. The 2023 Discovery Week will see over 170 Schulich Medicine students distributed across 29 different communities. The occasion is particularly noteworthy for Schulich, as this year represents the 25th anniversary of Discovery Week.
“We are thrilled to welcome these promising medical students to ESHC for Discovery Week,” said Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO, ESHC.
“It’s a rare chance for these students to understand the workings of rural hospitals like ours and to see firsthand the various healthcare situations in our locality. We’re confident these students will enjoy their temporary membership in our community, taking full advantage of everything Erie Shores has to offer.”
Discovery Week was initiated with the goal of encouraging physicians to establish their practices in rural and regional locations. It’s proven that students tend to make career choices early during their medical education.
Discovery Week aims to expose these students to the benefits and challenges of practicing medicine outside of large cities before their career paths are set.
“We are pleased to welcome back students for Discovery Week,” stated Dr. Luther Heys, Chief of Staff, ESHC.
“This program not only lets us showcase our community to future doctors, but also entices many of them to return to Erie Shores to complete electives in their third and fourth years of medical school.”
The students have the opportunity to learn from family doctors, specialists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals across Erie Shores to get a true sense of a typical workday. Beyond the clinical training during the day, students will engage in social activities each evening, experiencing the attractions and amenities Erie Shores provides.