The UBC Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern B.C. (UNBC) is hosting events at high schools in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District to inspire youth to enter the healthcare industry.
The Healthcare Travelling Roadshow started in 2010 to help increase the rural health workforce.
“We know that people in northern B.C. on average have worse health outcomes because they have worse access to healthcare,” said Provincial Lead Dr. Sean Maurice.
The show started in Smithers on Monday before making a trip to Hazelton on Tuesday.
A stop in Houston was made on Wednesday with Burns Lake and Fraser Lake presentations set for Thursday.
“We’re not exactly trying to recruit, we’re just trying to teach them about the field and hopefully plant some seeds of possibility,” said Maurice.
He added one of the most popular parts of the demonstration was the large jenga game which brought both excitement and nervousness.
Current healthcare students travel with the show to share a bit about why they wanted to enter the industry and share a bit about their field.
The other part of the roadshow is to help healthcare students learn more about working in rural communities with hospital tours.
“We know it’s good if they can meet one another in different programs to talk about what they like about their program and what they’re scope of practice is,” said Maurice.
He added 10 professions are represented with this tour including nursing, community mental health, rural e-mentoring, and a midwife.
The roadshow also runs out of the UBC Southern Medical Program at the University of B.C., Okanagan campus, and the UBC Island Medical Program at the University of Victoria to have events occur simultaneously across the province.
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