The UBC Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) launched a new initiative, led by Judy Song and Melissa Mantifel, to provide pre-clerkship medical students the opportunity to shadow rural family physicians over a weekend in March. Ten first- and second-year UBC students shadowed Drs. Nancy Yao, Angela Logan and Colleen Black in Gibsons, Campbell River and Princeton.

As these photos show, the students had incredible experiences in clinical settings and socializing with the very generous and enthusiastic preceptors. One student said: “Excellent opportunity, especially for those who do not think they’re interested in rural medicine, but are willing to try it (as was the case for me). The folks at Campbell River were incredibly welcoming and wonderful. I hope there’ll be more such opportunities for us students in the future!” Another student remarked: “This was such a unique and impactful experience, I will remember this weekend forever.”

FMIG wishes to thank the Rural Education Action Plan for its financial support of this initiative—and the rural physicians for sharing their time and energy with the students. For more information, including a full report about the shadowing initiative, please email Melissa or Judy.  

About UBC Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG): Rural Shadowing Initiative

The Rural Shadowing Initiative, funded by the Rural Education Action Plan, aims to expose pre-clerkship UBC medical students to rural medicine and foster their interest in pursuing a rural practice. The FMIG group is actively expanding its list of potential preceptors to ensure the program’s availability in different communities and accommodate preceptor availability at the three sites. If you are interested in hosting future groups, please email the FMIG Rural Co-chairs,  Melissa or Judy.