In partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) will host the University of Manitoba medical student Rural Interest Group in Brandon and Killarney on January 24 and 25, 2025.
According to a media release, the Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend promotes the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities and available lifestyle opportunities. Last year, PMH hosted a record breaking 55 first
and second-year medical students and this year the region is set to host 75 students. The 75 students (30 in Killarney – 45 in Brandon) will participate in the region this year with groups split into clinical workstations at each
site.
Student RIG Co-Presidents Regina Klassen and Caitlin Culleton say participants are really looking forward to the event.
“On behalf of the Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2027 and 2028, we extend our heartfelt thanks to PMH for their preparations and for warmly welcoming us again this year. These events are invaluable for our education, offering students a firsthand understanding of rural medicine, opportunities to network with doctors and residents, and insights into working within the health region.”
PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung says the RIG workshop provides the health region with additional opportunities to engage medical students early in their training.
“We continue to have success with this proactive and student-led initiative,” Dr. Fung stated. “Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) has been a mainstay for this workshop and the community of Killarney has also been a proud host in past years. The region participates in and explores many avenues of health-care provider recruitment. This event, and the Rural Week event in May are two that create a lot of interest and excitement every year.”
Dr. Fung added that in addition, PMH will also host a second RIG workshop in Swan River from February 7-9. PMH anticipates another 20-24 students for the Swan River RIG initiative. The region is partnering with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee to host the medical students.
