New Agreement Enables N.B. Medical Students to Rotate in Home Province

New Brunswick medical students studying at the University of Ottawa will now have the opportunity to complete part of their clinical rotations in their home province. This new agreement, established between Horizon Health and the University of Ottawa, allows students from New Brunswick to engage in core training rotations within their local healthcare system. Typically, these clinical rotations occur during a student’s third year and encompass various medical disciplines.

The initiative aims to encourage more New Brunswick graduates to remain in the province after completing their medical training. Ken Gillespie, Horizon’s Regional Director of Medical Education, highlighted the importance of this program in an interview with CBC Radio’s Shift – NB. He noted that as students are evaluating career options, having local training could influence their decision to practice in New Brunswick.

Building Connections with Local Healthcare

The concept originated two years ago when a physician at Moncton Hospital broached the idea with a colleague at the University of Ottawa. Gillespie expressed enthusiasm for any opportunity that would bring New Brunswick residents back for their medical training. He emphasized that students who train in the area are more likely to establish professional relationships with local physicians, which can provide them with insights into the healthcare system.

“Having familiarity with the system is always a great bonus as a great way of attracting people to work in your province,” Gillespie stated. This connection could ultimately enhance the healthcare landscape in New Brunswick by increasing the number of physicians practicing within the province.

Minimal Impact on Local Hospitals

According to Gillespie, the program is designed to ensure that it does not impose a significant burden on local hospitals. Each year, New Brunswick hospitals already accommodate around 40 medical students from Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Given that typically only one to three New Brunswick medical students attend the University of Ottawa each year, the influx of students from this agreement will remain manageable.

In addition to the University of Ottawa, New Brunswick has established affiliations with other institutions such as Dalhousie University, Memorial University, and Sherbrooke University. Gillespie views this new partnership as a vital step towards improving healthcare delivery in the province by fostering a stronger local physician workforce.

As this program unfolds, it could play a significant role in transforming medical education and healthcare in New Brunswick, ultimately benefiting both students and the communities they will serve.