MP Gallant Meets with Medical Student Delegation

August 08, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, met with a delegation of medical school students to discuss methods to help address the physician shortage crisis. “The physician shortage crisis in our region is one of the most important issues confronting us today. This issue cannot be addressed alone. Only by working in conjunction with all stakeholders involved can a solution be found. The invitation to medical students to join in consultations on the matter would be insightful,” suggested MP Gallant.

Several issues relating to medical students were explained during this meeting. A tangible recommendation they had was the offer of summer jobs in the community that would also assist in training physicians in rural areas. Additionally, it would expose them to rural life, and encourage them to practise in this region upon graduation. “In order to attract new physicians, it is vital that we promote the benefits of living and practising in rural areas. Practising in rural areas allows newly graduated medical students to gain experience they may not be able to get in practising in urban areas. Students in large urban areas compete with many doctors to perform even the most simple of procedures. Living in a rural area provides newly graduated medical students with chance to hone the skills and knowledge they have learned over the course of their training,” noted MP Gallant.

The idea of setting up a scholarship program or high school mentorship program to encourage and support local students who may be interested in pursuing a career in medicine was encouraged by the medical students. By doing this it is believed that those who grew up in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke would be more likely to practise medicine in the region. “Through sponsoring education they suggested communities would be better able to retain highly educated people with strong roots in the area. Our region produces plenty of dedicated and intelligent students. It only stands to reason that we look in our own neighbourhood first,” stated MP Gallant.

Upon meeting with the medical students, MP Gallant contacted all physician recruitment committees in the region outlining the suggestions that were developed. “It is vitally important that all the stakeholders are advised of all discussion and suggestions. Working together and sharing information is the only way that this problem can be effectively addressed. I look forward to meeting with all relevant and interested in parties, “ stated MP Gallant.