Local Students Gain Valuable Experience in Health Careers Program

Two students from Swan River are immersing themselves in health care careers this summer through the Discover Health Careers Manitoba program. This initiative, previously known as “Home for the Summer,” provides students with hands-on placements in various health care settings, including clinics and hospitals across the region.

Initially designed for medical students, the program has broadened its scope to include nursing and allied health disciplines, such as public health, community nursing, and pharmacy. The collaborative effort is funded by both Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and Shared Health.

At the Swan River Primary Care Clinic, Brittan Yaschyshyn, a midwifery student originally from the area, is gaining practical experience by assisting with patient care. Her responsibilities include managing the front desk, scheduling appointments with specialists, and shadowing physicians during prenatal visits. Within her role, Yaschyshyn has been involved in gathering patient histories, updating prenatal records, and observing various aspects of prenatal care.

Alongside her, Abby Facundo, a nursing student also from Swan River, has been working closely with the clinic’s Licensed Practical Nurse. Her duties consist of preparing patients for consultations, taking vital signs, and updating electronic medical records for patients with chronic illnesses. Both students will complete their placements in August and return to their university studies in the fall.

This summer, PMH has approved a total of 26 student positions throughout the region. These placements encompass a variety of fields, including pharmacy, primary care, mental health, therapy services, acute care, public health, and nutrition. Additionally, 10 first- and second-year medical students have secured placements in Neepawa, Virden, Deloraine, and Brandon. Their rotations cover specialties such as anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, psychiatry, radiology, nephrology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology.

Health leaders emphasize that the Discover Health Careers program not only offers essential learning opportunities for students but also aims to inspire them to return to their home regions to practice after graduation. This initiative serves as a vital link between education and local health care needs, addressing workforce shortages while fostering community ties.

The program reflects a commitment to enhancing the health care landscape in Manitoba, ensuring that students not only acquire practical skills but also contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.

For those interested in sharing insights or opinions about health care initiatives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or elsewhere, letters can be sent to the editor at [email protected].