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Taste of rural life for medical students at ADMH Sherry Haaima
Sherry.haaima@metroland.com
EMC news - Arnprior’s physician recruitment committee and Arnprior District Memorial Hospital officials are making sure that medical students, not just doctors, have a good idea of just how sweet life in the area can be. Recently, students from Queen’s and the University of Ottawa, who were completing placements at ADMH, were also treated to several visits in and around Arnprior and McNab-Braeside to enjoy various features and attractions. Hosting the students is not new, says ADMH CEO Eric Hanna, but trying to give them a good idea of life in a rural setting this early in their studies is not something that’s
been done in the past. Spending a week in a rural or smaller community is a component of the curriculum for the first-year students. “This year we engaged the physician recruitment committee,” said Hanna. “The thinking behind this was that we can show these folks how attractive life in a smaller community can be.” Among those who helped show the students around were McNab-Braeside Mayor Mary Campbell and Mark Nibourg of the Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce. Shannon Meilleur, of Oakville originally, enjoyed her experience. “I really loved it,” said Meilleur. “It’s been a very nice, friendly atmosphere. Everyone’s been very hospi-
A KNIGHTS GIFT Kimberley O’Shaughnessy, chair of the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital’s digital mammography campaign, accepts a donation from MJ Blimkie, from left, Arnold Smith, and Michael Doherty on behalf of the Knights of Columbus Arnprior and Renfrew Third Degree Councils and the Arnprior Renfrew Fourth Degree Council. Photo by Sherry Haaima
table. She enjoyed her experience shadowing Dr. Christine Schriver. From working in the clinic with nurse practitioners and other medical personnel to spending time in the emergency room, Meilleur said the experience was fascinating. Kalila Steen of Pennsylvania got a bird’s eye view of Dr. Mark Robson’s life. She appreciated the wide variety of procedures and staff to which she was privy. The physician shortage in rural areas means family doctors must have a wide variety of skills. From kayaking on the Madawaska River to a trip to the Waba Cottage Museum in White Lake, the experience for the students was a positive one.
Medical students from Queen’s University, Shannon Meilleur, left, and Kalila Steen, recently completed one-week placements at Arnprior District Memorial Hospital to experience health care and life in a rural area. Photo by Sherry Haaima
Leave fireworks to pros, says Ontario Fire Marshal’s office EMC news – To minimize the risk of injuries and property loss associated with fireworks this Canada Day weekend, the Ontario Fire Marshal is urging Ontarians to make fire safety a part of their weekend plans. • check with your local fire department about regulations regarding fireworks; • appoint a responsible
adult to be in charge of discharging fireworks; • carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging; • always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks; • keep sparklers away from children. They burn at a very high temperature and can easily cause burns.
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26 Arnprior Chronicle-Guide EMC - Thursday, June 28, 2012