On September 30/October 1, Fort McMurray will host more than 60 post-secondary students from several healthcare disciplines—including medicine, nursing, respiratory, EMS, ultrasound, and physiotherapy—during a Medical Skills Weekend sponsored by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP), Alberta Health Services, and the Associations Canadienne française de l’Alberta.
The weekend will not only highlight the Wood Buffalo region, but also feature local healthcare professionals and community leaders, including those from Fort McMurray’s French community. Students will learn why healthcare professionals choose to live and work in Fort McMurray. As well, they will explore the bilingual options available within the region. To introduce students to interdisciplinary practice and life in a remote community, students will be taught skills such as physiotherapy techniques, ultrasound, trauma, suturing, casting, and intravenous (IV) starts.
RPAP Skills events provide rural and remote Alberta communities with a unique opportunity to make a positive impression on future healthcare professionals through showcasing local amenities and attractions. Students will experience the best of local hospitality at a community supper on September 30, with presentations from locally practising healthcare professionals. On October 1, before returning to Edmonton, students will be given a tour of Fort McMurray and the surrounding area.
RhPAP Skills Event and Weekends are a joint effort coordinated by the local community, Alberta Health Services and Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. Events are scheduled in rural and remote Alberta communities throughout the year. Visit www.rhpap.ca/skillsweekends to learn more about RhPAP Skills events.
For more information, please contact:
Rosemary Burness
RhPAP Health Professions Students’ Initiatives Coordinator
403-650-6268
rosemary.burness@rhpap.ca
Lucas Warren
Communications Associate
Rural Health Professions Action Plan
780-932-0534
lucas.warren@rhpap.ca