Dalhousie medical students train on the South Shore

Story by Greg Thibodeau MD, Site Director South Shore LIC Contributed photos
The word doctor has its roots from the Latin word docere, which means to teach, and it goes without saying that the commitment to medical education is not new to rural Nova Scotia.  Resident and medical student education have been ongoing for many years in Lunenburg County. 
This fall marks the first year of the new 2020 Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) which is a fitting next step to formalize medical training where 
third year Dalhousie Medical students become part of our communities for a 48-week long program.  We are excited to have five students join committed physicians across disciplines to learn in multiple medical settings in the communities of Liverpool, Lunenburg and Bridgewater. This new training program could not have been realized without the dedication of over 50 physicians and the assistance of Nova Scotia Health, Doctors Nova Scotia, NOW 
Lunenburg County, Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, Queens General Hospital Foundation and the South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary.t is an exciting time for the South Shore as we endeavor to elevate the value of medical training as well as the merits of practicing medicine in rural Nova Scotia. Dr. Tim Riding, local SSRH Emergency Room and Family Medicine physician, explains: ‘…teaching allows we physicians to remain engaged at the forefront of medical training and education….it’s also an excellent succession plan!’ As we all know our local clinics, hospitals and emergency room departments are busy places, yet busy physicians in our region value the merits of medical education and give their time to teach the next generation of physicians.  ‘There are excellent opportunities for great learning here in rural Nova Scotia…so often many students are amazed at the hands-on experiences they can have!’ shares Dr. Andy Blackadar, Liverpool Family Physician.  ‘It is great to see that rural Nova Scotia is being valued as an academic center for excellent medical education…’states Dr. Tarah Millen, Lunenburg Family Doctor. 
​During these challenging times it is certainly encouraging to see this new education program evoke such collaboration among so many stakeholders. We are hopeful that this program will be the first positive chapter of many yet to come.