Rural docs do well in preventive care http://www.nrharural.org/search/abs/180.html
Rural Doctors are usually a very independent, courageous, knowledgeable
and impressive group and if somehow we could sell this impressive ideal to
the modern medical student, we could get them to consider rural medicine.
Why sell saving the people in the 3rd world, when we have embarrassing,
underserviced 3rd world health care in our own back yard. How do we get
medical students to see that the challenge and the adventure is right here
in rural Canada.
After 25 years of rural practice, I realize that I love it, and my
independence and my freedom and the challenge and the ability to be very
connected to your family, friends and community. I cannot imagine commuting
every day, handing over all my patients before I've had a chance to
investigate and diagnose and treat if possible. Being outside every day, and
the space and beauty and exhilaration of rural Canada, be it the mountains to
climb and ski, or the seas to sail, or the rivers to canoe, the gardens to
grow , the animals to husband, and the space... Yes, rural medicine is a
challenge but the rewards are wonderful and how to we get this timid group
of students to see this.
In some way I have been involved in educating our local students in
the schools, medical students and rural residents and the 8 children I have
brought up , 5 through University and 3 there now, and it has always cost
me. But I thought that education was a right and privilege and our
investment in the next generation, who hopefully will carry on and replace
us. But I do fear that the rural ranks are getting so slim that there may be
insufficient time and energy to educate and we cannot rely on our urban
colleagues because it isn't happening. So maybe rural Canada does and needs
to have medical missionaries come and help??? If there were easy answers,
we wouldn't have so many questions and concepts, but at least we are finally
asking the questions??
Medical and personal confidence is what really keep rural Drs out
there and at it year after year after year. How do we teach obstetrics,
C/S's, resuscitation... with at least the confidence to do what we have to
do to make a difference, yet keep the energy and wonderment to keep learning
from each experience. Sure there is risk avoidance, but life is a risk! and
rural Drs are good at assessing risk just to handle the diverse situations
we all find ourselves in. It seems to me we are a bit too interested in
carving turf and scare stories in our medical schools. If we rural Drs are
going to tell war stories, lets not forget the exhilaration and the real
difference we make out there as well.
I think it is past time we, rural Drs got on with sharing our great
life and getting our young Drs to participate so we too can continue. I
think our medical schools have to get real about the REAL needs of medicine
in Canada, and I think our Govt needs to have at least integrity in
providing Universal Health Care, or not, rather the sham we live in today.
Mary Johnston
Revelstoke BC
Selkirk Medical Group
PO box 590
Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0