Northern and Rural Health

Focusing on the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be a socially accountable physician in a northern and rural community, students begin to develop competence in several domains including communication, collaboration, health advocacy, leadership, reflection, and culture. They learn about the contexts for the practice of medicine in Northern Ontario, understand the importance of interprofessional care, and begin to understand the determinants of health with a particular focus on culture. They reflect on their understanding of the practice of medicine in Northern Ontario; develop an awareness and responsiveness to the changing needs of communities; and learn about ways to advocate for the health care needs of populations in Northern Ontario such as Aboriginal and Francophone peoples. As part of this course students undertake a four-week Integrated Community Experience in an Aboriginal community.