High school students in Brooks area wowed by rural health-care opportunities at Let Go Rural! event
Channel: RhPAP
Date: 2022-11-29

The goal of an RhPAP Let’s Go Rural high school event is to introduce students to career opportunities in rural health care that they aren’t aware of.

Student interest in a high school event in October in Brooks was overwhelming.

47 spots were available for students from six area high schools. Twice that number of spots could have easily been filled. 

Organizers know these events play a big part in helping to grow your own rural health professionals.

“The more that we can encourage the students to get involved, the more we can funnel them into the post-secondary school,” said Lisa Tiffin, Community Development Manager, City of Brooks. “And then hopefully they’ll come back to practise in our community.”

Tiffin worked in partnership with RhPAP Rural Community Consultant Alicia Fox to organize the Let’s Go Rural Event. It was held at Medicine Hat College Brooks Campus. 

The Grade 10 to 12 students rotated through six different skill stations including suturing, IV starts and immunization, wound management, high fidelity simulation, spinal motion restriction and supportive mental health conversations.

Scott Bell, a 3rd year medicine student from the University of Calgary taught the skills station. He thought the event was an amazing opportunity for students to learn about rural health-care opportunities.

“People are limited by the extent of the dreams they see before them. So, if there’s not exposure to health care, I don’t think most people would ever consider it. How can you consider something that’s outside their experience. So, I think it makes a big difference. I wish I had this experience when I was younger.”

For more information on RhPAP Lets Go Rural! High School events, please go to rhpap.ca/letsgorural.