Virginia Layton
Community: Grassy Lake, Alberta
Medical school: University of Alberta
A former echocardiographer who offered diagnostic heart and carotid tests to rural Southern Alberta residents for years is expanding her medical knowledge and expertise to become a rural physician.
Virginia Layton is in her first year of medical school at the University of Alberta and is one of several medical students who were recently selected to receive the annual RhPAP Rural Medical School Award. The award provides a one-time contribution of $5,000 to assist with the student’s tuition, accommodation, living, and/or professional development expenses.
Layton grew up in Grassy Lake, Alberta, a hamlet midway between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
Over the years, she spent time living and working in various Alberta communities including Whitecourt, Medicine Hat, High River, Calgary and Edmonton.
During her first year in medical school, Layton was inspired by a Whitecourt physician to become a rural doctor.
“There was another level of understanding that gave this rural physician compassion for his patients that I found lacking in [urban] emergency departments that I [previously] shadowed,” writes Layton in her application for the award.
“This changed how I felt about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be as a doctor after I graduated.
“I don’t want to push patients through a system, like parts on a conveyer belt. I want them to know they are truly cared for in their most vulnerable moments.”
The attentive care reminded her of growing up in Grassy Lake.
“I know the comfort of bumping into the nurse who cared for you after you broke your arm in the grocery store, asking about your wellbeing.
I want to live in a community where I am familiar with people’s stories, where I can witness the impact I am making in their lives and the lives of their children.”
Check out the full list of RhPAP Medical School Award winners here.