Medical students learn real life experience during placements in First Nations
Medical school wise to work with natives
The Sault Star Editorial - May 30, 2007
We look to The Northern Ontario School of Medicine as one way to solve the doctor shortage in this region. However, the school's mandate goes beyond that.
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is based on a model established in Australia for medical students, largely from rural areas, to train and eventually work in those settings. The Australian program paid special attention to the health care of aboriginals. Likewise, NOSM pays special attention to our native communities.
When we talk about the list of native issues that must be addressed, health is the most important.
The troubles native communities face with diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are well documented as are issues such as substance abuse, suicide rates and poor diets.
As part of their studies, NOSM students must do placements in aboriginal communities.
"It gives them a better insight and perspective into the cultural aspects of the communities they're involved in. They're immersed in culture, lifestyle, tradition and the people," said registered nurse Maxine Lesage, health services supervisor at the Garden River Wellness Centre.
Two students praised the centre, which offers a wide range of services, including a physiotherapist, dietitian, counselling and foot-care clinics. Such services are not available at many more remote native communities.
There's more to supporting the native communities in their health-care needs than providing new equipment and medicine. Understanding the culture is critical.
We often express concerns about throwing money at various native problems without seeing any results. This is the case when non-natives adopt a we-know-what's-best approach that ignores the opinions of natives and their unique situation. When it comes to something as personal as health care, sensitivity to cultural realities is a must.
By working closely with native health-care workers, NOSM students are addressing this matter. In doing so they are laying the foundations for a health system that will be effective for our native communities.