PMH hosts medical students interested in rural medicine

A record breaking 75 first and second-year medical students took part in a weekend workshop January 24-25 as part of the University of Manitoba’s student rural interest group. The student group (30 in Killarney and 45 in Brandon) split up into clinical workstations at each site and networked with other health-care professionals and community representatives. The Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities. In 2024, PMH hosted 55  medical students.

The event is held in partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and the Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences. Student RIG Co-Presidents Regina Klassen and Caitlin Culleton say participants really enjoyed their time in the region.

“On behalf of the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2027 and 2028, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PMH for warmly welcoming us again this year. These events are invaluable for our education, offering students a first-hand understanding of rural medicine, opportunities to network with doctors and residents, and insights into working within the health region.”

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung says the RIG workshop provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training. 

“We continue to have success with this proactive and student-led initiative,” Dr. Fung stated. “Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) has been a mainstay for this workshop and the community of Killarney has also been a proud host in past years. The region participates in and explores many avenues of health-care provider recruitment. This event, and the Rural Week event in May are two that create a lot of interest and excitement every year!”

Health Careers Manitoba and PMH sincerely appreciate the support of regional physicians, staff and volunteers who helped make the RIG weekend a success. Sponsor support also came from the City of Brandon, Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, Killarney Foundation and The Machado Advisory Group.

PMH is getting set to host a second RIG workshop in Swan River from February 7-9. PMH anticipates another 20-24 students for the Swan River RIG initiative. The region is partnering with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee to host the medical students.