Medical camp hopes encourages students to pursue career as a doctor

A summer camp to inspire the next generation of doctors is happening in Grande Prairie next week.

The Asclepius Medical Camp for Youth, which kicks off on July 22nd, will offer 50 high school students from around the Grande Prairie region a hands-on introduction to basic medical skills. 

University of Alberta medical students will lead the camp over four days and is focused on inspiring youth from under-represented and low-income backgrounds to consider a career in medicine. 

The program, which was founded in 2009, teaches participants skills such as suturing and working through real-world health care scenarios, removing the mystery around medical careers.

The camp is being put on a week before the Northern Alberta Medical Program launches at the  Northwestern Polytechnic’s Health Education Centre in August. This program will allow 30 first-year U of A medical students to begin their training in Grande Prairie.