Engaging the next generation of medical professionals

Regional Initiative opens the doors to the world of medicine for Aboriginal students and those in rural areas

McGill University's Regional Initiative is an outreach program that was created to respond to two major health-care issues in Canada: the urgent need for more physicians to practice in rural regions and the under-representation of Aboriginal groups in the medical profession.

On May 17, McGill's Faculty of Medicine is hosting a day-long event that will provide an opportunity for high school students from rural areas and Aboriginal backgrounds to discover the world of medicine through interactive activities led by a dynamic group of medical student volunteers.

The students will learn clinical skills at the Simulation Centre, explore the human body at the McGill Anatomy Lab and hear from practicing physicians and the Admissions Office on how to navigate a career path into medicine.

The Regional Initiative is in an exciting phase of development, having been piloted last year and now growing to accommodate more students from a more diverse group of communities. Eighty students are expected to attend - from Kahnawake, Drummondville, Lachine, Rosemere and Gatineau.

The event will take place on Monday, May 17, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Simulation Centre, Anatomy Lab and lecture rooms in the Strathcona Dentistry Building and Trottier Building (schedules available upon request). Separate sessions will be held in English and in French.