Rural Medicine Week 2008

Kawartha Lakes, May 28, 2008: May 20-23 was a great week for the four Queen's University medical students participating in Rural Medicine Week with the Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative (KLHCI). Each student participated in a "shift" in the Emergency and Operating rooms, along with participating in their preceptor's family practices. While they were here they enjoyed our rural beauty and realized that a family practice in the City of Kawartha Lakes comes with the perks of living in ‘cottage country'.

"As this was my first Rural Medicine Week, I found it amazing to watch the students dive right in and then be thrilled with the chance for many ‘hands on' experiences," says Cindy Snider, Recruitment & Retention Coordinator. "We couldn't ask for more dedicated up-coming doctors than these four, and I look forward to following their medical school careers and encouraging them to return to open a family practice."

Barbara Kelly, President of KLHCI, comments that "this event couldn't happen without the support of our local family physicians, Ross Memorial Hospital, and the Rural Ontario Medical Program. Special thanks must go the preceptors who gave their time to supervise the students: Dr. M. Cescon, Dr. L. Bingham, Dr. P. Anderson, Dr. N. Ecob, Dr. S.M. Young; along with Chief of Staff Dr. R. Drury, Dr. P. Petrosoniak, and Dr. K. Chapman for their support. I also wish to thank Cindy for the great job in organizing the many events of last week."

KLHCI plans and supports events such as Rural Medicine Week as it allows for the long- term development of future family doctor prospects. The Board of Directors continues to be dedicated to our mission of recruiting family physicians for the City of Kawartha Lakes both for the present and the future.

Anyone wishing more information on the activities of KLHCI is invited to contact Cindy Snider at csnider@rmh.org or 705-328-6098.