Dauphin Medical Clinic has been recognized as a centre of excellence when it comes to training the next generation of doctors.

Nominated by Dr. Chavi Tejpal, a second year resident at the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit and Dr. Anthony Wightman, who recently completed his first year of the residency program, the clinic recently received the 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award as part of the University of Manitoba Department of Family Medicine’s Inspire DFM Awards.

The awards annually honour outstanding staff, faculty, residents, and teaching sites who elevate the Department of Family Medicine, improve health care, and help to train new family physicians.

“I support Dauphin Medical Clinic for multiple reasons. The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program, created in 1991, is the second oldest rural training program in Canada for family medicine. With its strong roots and training, Dauphin provides more than academic opportunities for our residents,” Tejpal said in nominating the clinic for the award.

“Having been a part of this program, I have experienced first-hand the exceptional community foundations, resources, and support structures it offers to its residents. One of the standout features of the program is its unwavering commitment to the health of the community.”

Resources such as the Primary Care Outreach Clinic (PCOC), Tejpa said, and public health initiatives, such as breast feeding and immunization clinics, and multimodal mental health services ensures that residents are equipped to effectively address a wide range of patient needs.

She added the program fosters a culture of collaboration and support among inter-professionals, providing residents with invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary learning to enhance patient care.

“I am particularly impressed by the dedication of preceptors, who open their homes as spaces for wellness activities, demonstrating a personal investment in the growth and development of residents,” Tejpal said.

“The active involvement and presence of a dedicated dietitian and mental health worker further illustrates the program’s commitment to comprehensive care and resident support.”

Finally, Tejpal said accessibility of local specialists enhances the learning experience and provides residents with exposure to diverse medical perspectives and specialties. Among them are a geriatric, adult and child psychiatrist, surgeons and unique niches in family medicine such as cancer care, geriatrics, dermatology, obstetrics, anesthesia and emergency medicine.

In his support of the nomination, Wightman said Dauphin Medical Clinic is uniquely situated to provide a wide array of learning opportunities.

Read more in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.