This rural experience is a first for Movshovich. He checked out a map to see where Deloraine was situated and his expectations were there might be limited resources in the rural area. What he found was a peaceful, quiet, clean, really pleasant community including strangers saying hello. He was especially impressed with the nice big grocery store.
“Everyone is warm and friendly and they know each other. I am so grateful for the experience, especially at the hospital where Dr. McKinnon let us learn by experience. I did not expect to be so hands-on, doing patients’ histories for example. I felt very included and it was very meaningful.”
Though there are some limits compared with city hospitals (certain blood tests, equipment on hand and so on) the students were impressed with the modern hospital and especially how everything is connected, basically under one roof.
“Dr. McKinnon was fantastic as a clinician, his open sincere interaction with patients, how he speaks with the patient and his respect is impressive. He involved us in a lot, taught and encouraged us, allowed us to be independent with the patients. It was a valuable experience and we will be better students and better doctors for it,” added Movshovich.
Lee was also very inspired by McKinnon and his role at the Deloraine Health Centre. Lee liked that he oversaw the whole facility and has more control over his own practice than one might have in an urban setting. Also, the ability to have a long-term connection with patients and to be responsible for them was meaningful to Lee and is one factor that makes him open to the possibility of a career in rural medicine.
Both students also noted how the staff all knew each other so well and were so helpful, kind and accommodating.
Caryn Waldon Cassan is the Rural Week visit coordinator. Lee and Movshovich could not say enough about her hospitality and generosity.
“She even took us to the Cassan farm and they are wonderful people. Caryn went above and beyond, always asking if we needed anything. She made the transition from city to rural very comfortable. We felt taken care of and safe. A pontoon ride at Lake Metigoshe was also very welcome,” said Lee and Movshovich.
They also attended a Royals ball game, which will be a lasting memory, not just for the ball game.
“There was definitely some culture shock. There were a bunch of kids running around free as birds and next thing we see them with a bunch of snakes, holding them and putting them around their necks. Just not something we would see,” said Movshovich.
In the end both students had many positive comments about the rural experience and both would consider rural medicine and they would encourage others to do the same. Perhaps the strongest reaction was one of connection, how people know each other and help one another, not anonymous like it often is with city life.
by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff