Mental illness affects approximately one in four people throughout their lifespan.
Despite increasing recognition of the needs of the mentally ill, the majority of those afflicted do not receive care from mental health professionals. The elderly, the poor, the chronically disabled, and those with mental illness residing outside urban centres are particularly vulnerable to receiving inadequate care. This is a one-week program held at the end of the academic year for junior medical students from universities across Ontario to expose them to potential role models and mentors in the field of psychiatry. A thematic approach is taken to each day, with morning interactive seminars and afternoon elective placements. The week serves both an educational and social function and is meant to give those who may be uncertain about a life as a psychiatrist more information.