Students explore healthcare careers at Discovery Healthcare Camp in Goderich

Campers spent a whole day at AMGH in Goderich where they were exposed to a variety of healthcare professions in a hospital setting. From learning about privacy laws, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory and diagnostic imaging, and hearing from the hospital’s registered dietitian. Campers ended the day with a visit from the President and CEO Jimmy Trieu. (First row, L-R): Brooke Howaty, Sia Joglekar, Ashton Buhrows, Lila Roberts, Angelic Qidan. (Second row, L-R): Victoria Iannetta, Jimmy Trieu and Hannah Carr. (Third row, L-R): Jake McKee, Millicent Hugill, Sadie James, Isla Brock, Ava Hupel, Arina Postovalova, Blair Rau, Karma Elgherissy. (Fourth row, L-R): Elia Eazaz, Teagan Denomme, Avery Bruinsma, Lexie DeVries, Kyle MacDonald, Mackenzie Harris, Nelly Malec, Sarya Cicek, Shelby Krug, Myra Sadana, and Julia Sawchuck.

By: Kathleen Smith

During the week of July 6 – July 11, high school students participated in the Discovery Healthcare Camp in Goderich.

Twenty-four students took part in a week-long, first-hand look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare.

Led by medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the camp provided students with hands-on clinical experiences, opportunities to discover a wide range of healthcare careers, and the chance to learn directly from professionals in this community.

For five consecutive years, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), Huron Health System (HHS), and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry have collaborated to host the camp.

Hosted at Camp Klahanie, generously donated by Goderich Lions Club, the program connects students with healthcare professionals throughout Huron County.

“Programs like this are an investment in the future of healthcare,” explained Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of HHS.

“Inspiring young people early is essential to building a strong, skilled workforce that will continue to provide exceptional care for our communities for years to come.”

Trieu says that throughout the week, it was incredible to see the students’ curiosity come to life. They asked thoughtful questions, explored every opportunity to learn, and showed a genuine interest in healthcare careers.

Throughout the week students heard presentations directly from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other health professionals about daily work, educational pathways, and experience working in rural healthcare.

Students participated in hands-on clinical skill sessions like delivering a baby, suturing, CPR and life-saving skills, and casting to learn about practical aspects of care.

Often, healthcare in rural areas can seem out of reach due to limited access to mentorship, financial barriers or uncertainty about educational pathways. The camp aims to bring mentorship and opportunity to youth in the area, demonstrating that a future in healthcare is achievable.

The impact of the camp can be seen at AMGH, where Laurie Hakkers, Interim Manager of the Emergency Department, first discovered her passion for healthcare through a summer camp just like this one.

Hakkers’ journey demonstrates how early exposure can spark a lifelong interest and inspire students to pursue rewarding careers caring for their own communities.

In response to the shortage of healthcare professionals in the area, Gateway seeks to take a preventative approach by ‘growing our own’ and supporting youth in the area to be inspired and have the resources to pursue those careers.

Gateway first launched the camp in 2022, with the aim to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while helping strengthen the future of rural healthcare.

“This one-week camp will help these students consider a career in healthcare,” said Gwen Devereaux, President of Gateway CERH.

“We know this initiative is so important as we face a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural communities such as ours.”

As a result of sponsors supporting the camp, this generosity helps support the camp year after year.

This support allows Gateway and its partners to provide local youth with valuable opportunity to attend the camp, which contributes to building a future healthcare force.

The week concluded with a graduation barbecue celebrating the students’ achievements alongside their families, community partners and mentors.