News Release

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to Host Medical Students for Discovery Week

Chatham-Kent -- Chatham-Kent will be host to 10 first-year University of Western Ontario medical students for Discovery Week 2010 from May 31 to June 3, 2010.

Organized by the Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network (SWOMEN), students from Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario will partner with Chatham-Kent Health Alliance to provide exposure to community medicine for medical students.

Students will have the opportunity to shadow family physicians in many areas of Chatham-Kent to find out what a typical workday entails.  They will also experience a wide variety of medical specialties and practices at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  30 local physicians have signed up to be a preceptor/teacher to the students during this weeklong learning experience.  

“Our strong team of physicians will open their eyes to the many great opportunities offered in a community practice setting.  It really is quite different than practicing in a large urban centre or teaching hospital,” said Dr. Gary Tithecott, Chief of Staff.  “We hope the memorable experience will bring them back to our community for an elective or clerkship at a later date in their medical training.”

Students will also speak to high school groups at Ursuline College, John McGregor Secondary School, Chatham Kent Secondary School, and Wallaceburg District Secondary School.  Presentations will outline their experiences and opportunities associated with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario (London and Windsor campuses).

Social events will also be included in the week’s agenda so students can meet the physicians in a casual atmosphere and experience firsthand some of the many amenities offered in Chatham-Kent.  A welcome barbecue, lunch with the Mayor’s office, strawberry social, and a boating excursion on Lake St. Clair are among the planned festivities.

For more information contact:

Denise Waddick, Medical Recruiter

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance

519-437-6147

dwaddick@ckha.on.ca.