On the March 9-10 weekend, 56 University of Alberta health profession students visited Barrhead to learn new skills from health professionals and get a taste of what small-town life is like.
The weekend was hosted by Barrhead’s physician attraction and retention committee, along with Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP).
The province established RhPAP in 1991 as a way to address the shortage of medical professionals in rural communities.
Students from nursing, medicine, physio and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and pharmacy were put through their paces in six skill stations (intravenous starts, suturing, casting and splinting, spine stabilization and intubation, joint injections, and STARS Air Ambulance).
After lunch, the students resumed their studies. Their day ended about 4 p.m., at which point the students had some free time to explore the town, or take advantage of the aquatic centre.
In the evening after a wine, beer, and spirits tasting event, students were treated to a meal patterned after the Taste of Barrhead with foods from many of the community’s cultural groups being represented.
At the dinner, the students participated in a round-table discussion where they had an opportunity to ask questions about what life is like working in a rural community from local health professionals.
“When I heard about this event coming to Barrhead I was so pleased and I want to extend my thanks to the students that have come and allowed us to showcase our community and I hope in the future that you give us some consideration when you seek out where you want to pursue at least part of your life’s work,” said Town of Barrhead mayor Dave McKenzie, at the skill dinner banquet on March 9.
County of Barrhead Coun. Walter Preugschas echoed McKenzie’s comments, adding for those who do decide to make Barrhead home there are a lot of opportunities to not only build a career, but a life.
“Agriculture is our mainstay, we have 650 farmers producing all sorts of animal and plant products,” he said, adding the county is hopeful the medical-marijuana producer, Royal Canadian Cannabis, will start construction on its plant in the near future. “There’s oil and gas, a major house manufacturing plant and lots of opportunities to live on acreages.
Preugschas also noted the abundance of outdoor recreation activities available, making special note of the Misty Ridge Ski Hill.
However, he said the thing he enjoys about the community most is its people.
“They are friendly. When I go out shopping, to the school, or a community or sporting event I know I will find someone that I can have a conversation with,” he said.
Recently Preugschas said something happened to him that reminded him of how friendly and caring the community is.
A friend of his outside the area had to go to the Barrhead Healthcare Centre several times for cancer treatments.
“She was treated like she was someone special. She received follow-up calls and a Christmas card,” he said.
