Over the weekend of March 16-17, the community of Drumheller hosted a group of eager medical and nursing students from the University of Calgary for an unforgettable Let’s Go Rural! event. Organized by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) in collaboration with the Drumheller Standing Committee on Health (DSCH) and local healthcare experts, the event aimed to open the eyes of these students to the endless possibilities of rural healthcare.
From the moment the students stepped into the Drumheller Health Centre, the energy was palpable. With local nurses, physicians, and instructors guiding them through hands-on skill sessions and facility tours, it wasn’t long before these future healthcare heroes were fully immersed in the world of rural practice.
But beyond the clinical experience, nurses and physicians in the community took it to heart sharing their personal stories of how rewarding it is to be integral parts of rural healthcare teams. Over the lunch hour on Saturday, students listened to a panel of local staff as they told stories of gratitude they’ve experienced from their community and patients, and how much they enjoy the variety that comes with working at the east-central rural facility uniquely situated to handle medical emergencies up to the Saskatchewan border.
For the majority of the students, the trip to Drumheller for Let’s Go Rural! marked one of their first impressions of the Red Deer River Valley community.
Katie Hanik, is one of two nursing students who grew up in Drumheller and participated in the event. She plans to return to her hometown to work in the community after graduation, and is looking forward to being able to give back to the community that raised her.
“Having the opportunity to serve this community as a nurse is a privilege. I am dedicated to contributing to the well-being of those around me and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Drumheller,” said Hanik. “Drumheller holds a very special place in my heart, not only for the beauty and charm of the valley but for the warmth and kindness within the community from the residents that make it a truly amazing place to work and live.”
Throughout the weekend, Hanik encouraged all 26 of her peers in medicine and nursing to consider a future career in a rural community. “By choosing to work in rural healthcare, you’re stepping up to fill that gap and provide much-needed care to people who might not have easy access otherwise. You’re really making a difference in the lives of your patients.” she said.
As the weekend came to a close, the Drumheller committee’s efforts to welcome the students were evident in every detail. From a visit to the Badlands Community Facility to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Legion to marveling at the World’s Largest Dinosaur, the students were embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the community.
Hanik encouraged future medical and nursing students to embrace immersive events like Let’s Go Rural! and explore if living and working in communities outside of the major urban centers could be right for them. “It’s a great opportunity and you will learn so much! Take time to listen to the stories of the speakers and ask questions. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow while on the trip.” she said.
Let’s Go Rural! isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for change. It’s about inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to see the potential in rural practice. And from what the DSCH, RhPAP staff, and local volunteers saw and heard that weekend, it’s working.
As the students returned to their studies with newfound enthusiasm and a fresh perspective, one thing is clear: the future of rural healthcare is bright, thanks to events like Let’s Go Rural! and the dedicated healthcare professionals and passionate volunteers that live and work in their communities who make them possible.