Shelburne considers summer employment for pre-med students
Friday May 16 2008
By Eric Sparling, Staff Sriter
A long-range plan to improve Shelburne’s chances of attracting new doctors received a welcome reception at council’s April 28 meeting. Centre Dufferin high school teacher Steve Stewart and university student Kaylie Stewart came before council with a proposal for a summer employment plan that would introduce pre-med students to the health care professions, thereby stoking interest in the professions and improving resumes.
Applications for admission to competitive programs could be enhanced if students got local experience, argues Steve Stewart. He also stressed that it would give young people an opportunity to contribute to the community.
Council praised the idea, with Coun. Geoff Dunlop calling it a “wonderful initiative.” Coun.Walter Benotto suggested soliciting partners, such as the hospital, would be a good idea. Mayor Ed Crewson said the program could involve multiple stakeholders, with the summer job being split into four components, possibly including placements with the Mel Lloyd Centre, at the hospital, with a nurse practitioner and with paramedics that are employed by the county.
The students would provide value through their work, and there would also be an improved shot that one of the students, over succeeding years, would choose to return to the community to work. Benotto stressed his belief that the stronger ties the community can develop with students, the better the odds of them returning.
When reached by phone, Crewson reiterated a point made at the council meeting: that the budget has allotted $10,000 for physician recruitment, funds which could be tapped into to support the new program. Council has not committed funds as of yet, he says, but is resolved to move forward with the program. He has secured a commitment from the Mel Lloyd Family Health Team to devote $5,000 to the initiative, and he hopes to enlist the support of county council. Crewson envisions one position for the coming summer — Steve Stewart is hoping for two — with Kaylie Stewart as the leading candidate to fill it.
“If we give this student, Kaylie Stewart, [the] opportunity to work in medical venues,” it will help her get into medical school and could improve the chance she’ll choose to practice in Shelburne, says Crewson.
Kaylie Stewart is a second-year health studies student at McMaster University who is planning a career in medicine. About 70 per cent of students who’ve graduated from the competitive program (less than seven per cent of applicants are accepted) have gone on to med school.
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