Medical School Adds Kapuskasing to List of Comprehensive Community Clerkship Communities

Students of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) will soon be living and learning in the community of Kapuskasing. In September of this year, Kapuskasing will welcome four third-year medical students who will begin their Comprehensive Community Clerkship at Sensenbrenner Hospital. An affiliation agreement between NOSM and Sensenbrenner will be signed, solidifying a partnership between the two institutions and allowing NOSM students to gain valuable hands-on practical experience in the community.

”Sensenbrenner Hospital is proud to be a part of a true community-based medical school,” said Mr. Al Yarush, Sensenbrenner Hospital’s CEO. “Integrating students in communities such as Kapuskasing is key to the development of physicians who understand and appreciate medical practice in Northern communities,” he continued.

Under the leadership of Lead Physician and Site Liaison Clinician, Dr. Christopher Meilleur, the professional staff of Sensenbrenner Hospital will provide comprehensive, patient-centred training, allowing the students to observe, learn and participate in the care of patients in a Northern environment. During their eight months in Kapuskasing, students will be taught by local physicians and other health-care providers who are NOSM faculty members.

In preparation for the students’ arrival, a Kapuskasing Local NOSM Group comprised of local physicians and other community members will be developed. The group will act as an important link between the town and the students, facilitating a smooth integration into the community through orientation, relevant information and introductions to other community members.

Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Founding Dean, says the people and communities of the North are integral to the success of the Comprehensive Community Clerkships. “The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is committed to building partnerships with the communities and health organizations of Northern Ontario. Sensenbrenner Hospital, local physicians, other health-care providers, and community members are welcomed partners,” he said.

With the addition of Kapuskasing, eleven communities throughout Northern Ontario will host medical students in September 2008. All 56 students in their third year will participate in the Comprehensive Community Clerkships.