by Niki Luymes
Local students had a unique chance to learn from real medical professionals as part of the Rural Health Professions Action Plan’s (RhPAP) Let’s Go Rural event on March 6.
The event was organized by the RhPAP in collaboration with the Town of Edson, the Edson Healthcare Centre, and local health professionals.
The program was geared for high school students from Parkland Composite High School and Holy Redeemer Junior Senior Catholic High School. Students attended the Edson Healthcare Centre for the full school day to learn about the medical system. There were 40 students in attendance which was the allowable maximum.
When the students arrived they got to tour the Healthcare Centre and take part in several skills stations. There they had the opportunity to learn the basics of suturing, neonatal PPV, maternal blood pressure and fetal heart rate, continuing care, and airways management. Each session was run by a practicing medical professional.
“These interactive sessions allow students to gain practical insights into common healthcare activities such as taking vital signs, performing basic medical procedures, and understanding the tools and techniques used in daily patient care,” an RhPAP release stated.
In addition to the skills stations, students engage in meaningful conversations with rural health professionals, learning firsthand about the benefits and challenges of practicing in a rural setting. These discussions provided valuable perspectives on the importance of rural healthcare, the impact of close-knit community relationships, and the rewarding nature of serving in underserved areas.
Research conducted by RhPAP showed that of the 547 rural Alberta healthcare providers they questioned, 67% completed high school in a rural community. Of these respondents 34% work in the same community where they completed high school.
The event also serves to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in rural Alberta.
RhPAP is an initiative that aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in rural communities across Alberta. Their focus is to collaborate with rural communities, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and government bodies to address healthcare workforce challenges and improve access to healthcare services in rural areas. By offering students in rural Alberta a chance to explore healthcare careers, they may make decisions about their post-secondary education with the hope that they choose rural practice in the future.