A mock disaster, fake injuries and an enriching learning experience: MedQuest Health Career Exploration Program

The sun was shining in Walkerton, but there was trouble on the horizon. The scream of the fire truck and ambulance sirens filled the air, as cries for help made hearts race. As much as the situation felt real to all involved, this disaster was only a mock, and thankfully no one was actually injured

As part of the MedQUEST Health Career Exploration Program, the Walkerton mock disaster, which took place on July 10, was one of six that took place across Southwestern Ontario. The unique week-long program provides secondary school students in rural and regional Southwestern Ontario with realistic, hands-on experience in health care. One of the high points of the program is the community mock disaster.

This year Dr. Michael J. Strong, dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, spent the day in Walkerton watching the mock disaster unfold, and visiting with MedQUEST counsellors (all first and second year Schulich Medicine students), high school students interested in careers in health care, committee members and members of the community.

The mock disaster itself takes a village to pull-off, and always involves the participation of many within the community. In Walkerton both fire fighters and EMS workers used the day for disaster training, and with the students donning shards of glass and realistic cuts and bruises (all created with make-up), rides to the local emergency room, and real tears flowing at times, the situation seemed anything but pretend.

"It's an opportunity to showcase the community and the health services of our community to the medical students and the high school students," said Myrna Inglis, chair, Walkerton MedQUEST Committee. "With planning a total of 60 job shadow experiences, the medical students learn about rural services and the high school students learn about some careers that are totally new to them. The community is aware of the MedQUEST buzz and the importance that is placed on this educational event."

Although the mock disaster always seems to steal the show, it is only one part of the MedQUEST Program. The elective program actually runs for six weeks, giving Schulich Medicine first and second-year students a unique opportunity to experience living, learning, and working within rural and regional communities while inspiring and mentoring local youth to consider a career in health care. It's during the MedQUEST Exploration Program that the medical students get to showcase the very skills they have honed during their training in partnering communities.

Above: After a ride to the Walkerton emergency room, Dr. Strong is joined by Jill Machan, RN, Director of Patient Care at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Jennifer McGuire, Class of 2016, who took part in this year's MedQUEST elective program, one of the MedQUEST Health Career Exploration Program students and Dr. Mazin Rassam of South Bruce Grey Health Centre.