Discovery Week 2026 introduces medical students to rural medicine at AMGH in Goderich
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Each year, undergraduate medical students at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at University of Western Ontario take part in Discovery Week, a mandatory placement.
Learners are placed in more than 60 rural and regional communities in southwestern Ontario at the end of their first year.
During the 28th annual Discovery Week, first-year medical students trained at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) in Goderich from May 25 until May 28.
These physicians in training were welcomed as temporary members of the Goderich community for the week.
During their immersive, one-week placement at AMGH, the students familiarised themselves with teamwork and collaboration in a local health-care setting.
“Discovery Week gives medical students an opportunity to experience both the practice of rural medicine and the strong sense of community that makes Goderich such a special place to live and work,” said Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of Huron Health System (HHS).
Discovery Week is a long-standing program that gives all first-year medical students the opportunity to experience what life and health care looks like in regional and rural communities.
“By spending time alongside our physicians, staff and community leaders, students gain a firsthand understanding of the rewards and impact of practising in a rural setting,” added Trieu.
“We hope this experience inspires many of them to return in the future to build their careers and care for our community.”
During Discovery Week 2026, 190 students were placed in more than 30 participating communities, spanning Windsor to Owen Sound.
According to Dr. Victor Ng, assistant dean, Distributed Education, Schulich Medicine and Dentistry, community partners play a vital role in medical students’ education, by providing exceptional, first-hand, in-patient care experiences in rural and regional settings.
“We are incredibly grateful for this long-standing partnership, which prepares and inspires a cohort of physicians to practise in small and mid-sized communities across the province,” added Dr. Ng.
“Through this collaboration, Schulich medical students will develop a deep understanding and appreciation for rural-regional medicine and health-care providers. Many also return to practise in the communities they trained in.”
During Discovery Week, students shadow physicians and learn what their typical workday encompasses, they network with various healthcare teams, and experience rural and regional living in communities.
To learn more about Discovery Week visit www.schulich.uwo.ca/distributededucation