After an almost two-year hiatus, the NMP’s weekend shadowing program was able to start up again this fall!

The program provides interested first and second year students with an opportunity to visit a small town in the north to learn more about rural medicine first-hand from local physicians. Participating communities include Mackenzie, Smithers, Valemount, Vanderhoof and Williams Lake.

NMP Class of 2018 graduate Dr. Adrienne Stedford came full circle this November as she helped welcome current Year 2 students to Williams Lake, together with three fellow local colleagues. In addition to shadowing, students met with other physicians from the community over dinner and enjoyed some area tours. 

“My weekend shadowing experience as a medical student left a lasting impression on me that eventually led me back to working rurally,” says Adrienne. “It’s a great way to get some early exposure to clinical medicine, and it also puts rural medicine on the radar as a desirable and rewarding career for students to consider at an early stage.  

“Even for those who end up working in urban centres, I hope their time rurally helps them have a better understanding of the challenges their rural patients face.”

Shadowing can include a range of experiences, such as family medicine, in-patient care, emergency medicine and obstetrics.  

“I looked forward to showcasing how fun and interesting rural medicine is, as well as what a fantastic lifestyle a career in rural medicine can offer. Hopefully students walk away from the experience understanding just how broad the scope of rural medicine is and the challenges that are unique to rural populations, such as resource limitations and transport considerations.” 

The shadowing visits also gave Adrienne an opportunity to highlight aspects of her local community.

“While I strived to teach the students some clinical skills [recent students got to repair some injured bananas and grapes] and expose them to real clinical situations, I was also able to show off Williams Lake because, for people who haven't been here before, it is a hidden gem of recreation and high quality rural living!” 

Funded through the Northern Medical Programs Trust (NMPT), weekend shadowing visits take place twice a year in the spring and in the fall.

“Rural physicians are in need across the country and I hope to show students how fulfilling it is to build a career somewhere that your skills are truly appreciated.”