Excitement and curiosity fill the air as a group of high school students explore the new School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University in Brampton, Ont. Engaged in interactive lab activities, the teenagers, part of the Peel District School Board (PDSB) co-op program, eagerly manipulate 3D models on virtual dissection tables.
Yashita Singh, a 16-year-old student, enthusiastically describes the experience of virtually dissecting bodies layer by layer, marveling at the ability to study bones and muscles up close.
This initiative aims to attract high school students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to the field of healthcare. By offering hands-on experiences, the hope is to ignite interest and encourage more young individuals to consider careers in Canada’s healthcare sector.
Gurmeet Lall, the director of clinical anatomy and simulation at the school, emphasizes the importance of engaging students during their formative years in high school. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and connecting classroom learning to real-world medical practices, the program seeks to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The recent visit by PDSB students is part of the Equity in the Future of Healthcare co-op course, where seniors from five schools converge weekly to explore various facets of the healthcare system. Through lectures, lab visits, and interactions with TMU students, participants gain valuable insights into healthcare professions, fostering their academic and career growth.
For Yashita Singh, the exposure to healthcare fields has broadened her perspective, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of medical students and sparking her interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
Haris Ahmad, a first-year medical student at TMU, emphasizes the importance of representation in healthcare. Seeing individuals from similar backgrounds succeed in the field can be empowering and motivating for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Bridging the gap
In Winnipeg, an Indigenous student placement program has been connecting high school students with healthcare opportunities for over a decade. By showcasing diverse careers within the sector, the program aims to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the healthcare workforce.
The program in Ottawa, Equity in Health Systems, seeks to create pathways for underrepresented high schoolers to enter the healthcare field. By providing exposure to various healthcare professions and role models, the initiative aims to inspire and support students in pursuing careers in healthcare.
