Cambridge, Ontario, facing a shortage of 10-12 family doctors, is actively recruiting medical students through its 'Rural Ontario Medical Placement (ROMP) week.' The program offers students like Shahzeb Khan and Matt Hamilton a mix of shadowing local physicians, exploring the community's amenities (e.g., Langdon Hall, Activate gaming facility), and experiencing both urban and rural lifestyles, aiming to encourage them to practice in the area after graduation.
From clinics to culinary tours to laser tag: How this Ontario city is wooing future doctors
CambridgeOntarioHealthFamily medicineGraduationStudents
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Cambridge, Ontario, facing a shortage of 10-12 family doctors, is actively recruiting medical students through its 'Rural Ontario Medical Placement (ROMP) week.' The program offers students like Shahzeb Khan and Matt Hamilton a mix of shadowing local physicians, exploring the community's amenities (e.g., Langdon Hall, Activate gaming facility), and experiencing both urban and rural lifestyles, aiming to encourage them to practice in the area after graduation.
- 1 More than 15 years ago: Donna Gravelle started organizing ROMP week in Cambridge.
- 2 This year: Four doctors are retiring in Cambridge.
- 3 2025-06-11: Article published, detailing the ROMP week activities.
- Increased interest from medical students in practicing family medicine and considering Cambridge as a future location
- Potential alleviation of the doctor shortage in Cambridge and other rural Ontario communities
What: Cambridge, Ontario, is using its 'Rural Ontario Medical Placement (ROMP) week' program to recruit medical students to address a shortage of family doctors. The program involves shadowing local physicians, touring local attractions, and experiencing the community's lifestyle.
When: More than 15 years (Gravelle organizing ROMP week), this year (four retirements), 2025-06-11 (article published).
Where: Cambridge, Ontario, North Dumfries, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto.
Why: Cambridge is short 10-12 family physicians and needs to fill gaps left by retiring doctors, as well as grow its medical workforce. The program aims to make students consider Cambridge for their future practice.
How: By organizing a week-long program that includes shadowing primary care physicians at Langs Community Health Centre and specialists at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, touring local luxury venues like Langdon Hall, and recreational activities like laser tag at Activate.