Celebrating 10 years of MedLINCS
Medical Learning in Community Settings (MedLINCS) celebrated its 10th anniversary in July 2015. The six-week clinical teaching summer elective opportunity for first- and second-year medical students takes place in rural and remote communities across Southwestern Ontario, in regions such as Grey-Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Essex, Huron-Perth, Oxford-Elgin and Sarnia-Lambton.
The MedLINCS program provides medical students with the opportunity to experience hands-on health care in smaller communities where physicians work at the front-line in delivery rooms, emergency rooms and nursing homes. During the six-week program, students also have the opportunity to observe professionals in all aspects of health care—from anesthesiologists and pharmacists to radiologists—providing students with applied learning opportunities.
The program also highlights Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s commitment to excellence in education and social responsibility in Southwestern Ontario, as learners also work collaboratively with community partners. This includes organizing the popular week-long health career exploration camp delivered to local high school students.
During the week-long program, medical students provide leadership to high school students who have an interest in health care careers. The program provides them with practical experiences in health care, including reviewing x-rays, practising sutures and splinting and casting. Some communities end the week with a mock-disaster, which includes local emergency medical services personnel.
