Nine new medical students in Muskoka
Bracebridge Councillor Debbie Vernon, announced that there are nine new medical professionals in Muskoka, in the September 18, 2023, meeting.
Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, advised, “It is for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine placements that the students have to do.”
The Northern School of Medicine (NOSM) pairs students with a Medical Doctor degree in communities “with a special affinity” to those in the north, for postgraduate training, which they will be undertaking for seven months.
Vernon indicated, “These students will be participating in their comprehensive community clerkship with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare in Bracebridge and Huntsville on their paths to becoming physicians.”
In their welcome announcement about partnering with the NOSM, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) indicates, “Clerkships give students experience in all parts of hospital setting or family physician practice through learning by watching and doing.”
The students will have the opportunity to rotate between different specialties and treat patients under physician supervision.
The NOSM indicates that in addition to providing students with experience, placing them in various communities gives them a chance to see what it’s like working in them.
MAHC adds, “Each year our community hosts more than 100 medical students and residents as part of their training to become physicians.” And they encourage the community to welcome them.
Vernon said, The Economic Development Team and members of Council welcomed the students to Bracebridge with a tour throughout the Town. She added, “I was invited to a picnic lunch with fellow Council members, staff, the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, staff from hospitals and members of the community.”
Rhodes indicated that both towns host welcoming events for the students. She added, “In Bracebridge, we took them on a tour of the community on a small bus. This is an attempt to get them familiar with Bracebridge so when they are here, they are able to find the places they need. The points that we discussed were gyms, grocery stores, pubs, trails, concert venues, etc.”
Rhodes continued, “Ultimately, we do this event to show how much they are appreciated and in hopes that they fall in love with our area. We know there is a shortage of doctors in our community, this is done in hopes that they will want to move/stay here and practice medicine here in Muskoka.”
The students are, Alexandra Klem, Sarah Zucconi, Tyler Pretty, Taylor Murie, Emma-Lisa Makinen, Janelle Lazer, Kara Passi, Hailey O’Grady, and Kalem Barrow.
