In partnership with the Manitoba Health Care Providers Network (MHCPN) and Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) hosted the University of Manitoba medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG) in Brandon, last week.

The RIG weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities. Some 34 first and second-year medical students participated.

PMH has advocated for the initiative as it provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training.

Clinical workstations were set up at Brandon Regional Health Centre to allow the students to put their skills to the test by undertaking tasks like suturing, casting and airway management.

Prior to the two days, tudent RIG co-president Sydney McLaughlin says participants looked forward to the event after a brief pause due to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of both the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba medical classes of 2025 and 2026, I would like to extend a huge thank you to PMH for the preparations and for welcoming us again this year,” McLaughlin said. “These events are so important for our education as they expose students to what it is like to work in rural medicine, provide opportunities for students to network with doctors and residents, and give us an idea of what it is like to work within the health region.”