Shahzeb Khan, a medical student from the University of Ottawa, recently visited Cambridge, Ont., for the first time. His experience during the Rural Ontario Medical Placement (ROMP) week, which included touring private gardens, exploring entertainment venues, and shadowing local doctors, has left him considering the possibility of relocating to Cambridge after graduation.
The ROMP week initiative aims to expose medical students to smaller Ontario communities like Cambridge, where there is a growing need for family physicians. According to Donna Gravelle, a recruiter with Doctors 4 Cambridge, the city is facing a shortage of 10 to 12 family doctors, as reported by the Ontario Medical Association. Gravelle has been organizing ROMP week in Cambridge for over 15 years and noted that the program has been successful in attracting new physicians to the area.
During the week, students had the opportunity to shadow primary care physicians at Langs Community Health Centre. Shahzeb Khan, who initially had no plans for family medicine, found his experience in Cambridge compelling and is now reconsidering his career path. The diverse patient population and personalized care he witnessed have sparked his interest in family medicine.
Apart from medical experiences, the students were also introduced to the lifestyle and amenities that Cambridge has to offer. They visited Langdon Hall, a prestigious hotel and restaurant, and explored the culinary gardens, emphasizing that life in a smaller community can provide luxury, leisure, and nature experiences. Matt Hamilton, a University of Toronto medical student, highlighted the value of experiencing different patient populations and the unique relationships formed in family medicine.
The day concluded with a visit to Activate, a gaming facility, where students enjoyed recreational activities aimed at showcasing the city’s attractions while also serving as a recruitment strategy. The students expressed gratitude for the warm reception and consideration from the Cambridge community, recognizing the efforts made to attract young medical professionals.
While it is too early for definitive commitments from the students, many expressed a positive outlook on Cambridge’s offerings, including its proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, the blend of rural and urban lifestyles, and the presence of experienced mentors. The city’s long-term approach to recruiting doctors, combined with engaging activities and mentorship opportunities, may prove successful in attracting future medical professionals to Cambridge.