NOSM Learners to Reach Out to Secondary and Post-Secondary Students to Promote Health-Care Related Careers

This spring, medical students from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) will continue their outreach program through the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). The program, calledAltitude: Health-Care Mentoring, is aimed at encouraging students in their final year of secondary school to seriously consider a career in the field of health care.

“The first year of our program was a success. We provided them with unique networking opportunities with professionals to encourage their passion for a career in health care,” explained Kayla Berst, second-year MD student and Outreach Coordinator for the Thunder Bay Altitude team. “It is an amazing experience to go into a local secondary school and talk to young, passionate students about what it takes to have a career as a doctor, nurse, or physical therapist.”

“In addition to outreach in local schools, we are also running Altitude@ sessions for university students at all levels who have interest in the health-care field,” said Mélanie Patrie, second-year MD student and Site Coordinator for the Sudbury Altitude team. “Altitude Mentoring was a huge success this year, and we look forward to even greater developments next year.”

The Thunder Bay Altitude team includes first-year MD student Jessica Nairn and second-year MD students Hillary Bohler, Valerie Nicholls, Stacey Tokar, Paul Benvenuto, Michelle McLean, Anthony Valente, Alanna May, and Savanna Webb. The Sudbury Altitude Outreach Program includes first-year MD students Zsolt Toth, Kaitlin Sheridan, Katrina Hickey, Heather Smith, Robyn Rodger, Nick Fortino, and Rose Michael, as well as second-year MD students Jessica Chan and Sabrina Badio.

Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean, applauds the efforts undertaken by NOSM’s medical students for embarking upon this important initiative. “By taking the time to speak to secondary students in Northern communities, our learners highlight their incredible sense of commitment to improving the health of people in Northern Ontario. It speaks to their willingness to give back, and the kind of physicians they will be in the future.”

The Thunder Bay and Sudbury Altitude Team Outreach teams are currently accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year. Students interested in a career in health care are encouraged to apply at:http://altitudementoring.ca/ . Applications are due June 1, 2013.