Medical students from the University of Notre Dame have given Portland Scouts an insight into what it takes to become a doctor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A chance meeting between Notre Dame medical student Chris Lemon and local business owner Karl Cook led to the informative session at the Portland Scout Hall last Thursday night.
Mr Lemon is completing a four-week rotation with Portland GP Dr Shawki. He and classmates Amy-Rose McCorkindale and Elysse Mcilwain presented the workshop.
“I went into a new coffee shop and was speaking with Karl, the owner. When he found out I was a medical student he asked if I could get some of my fellow students and do a talk for the local scout troupe,” Mr Lemon said.
“We had a talk to the doctors about what we should focus on and decided to do come demonstrations on wrapping bandages, treating burns and looking after stings.
“We also gave them a few gory stories, which they really liked, and then talked to them about what was required to study medicine.”
The students also took Gutsy Gus, a model with removable internal organs and held a trivia session on parts of the body, with chocolates handed out to those who guessed correctly.
Mr Lemon said the scouts were very receptive and interested in everything the students had to say. He hopes the presentation might have a long-lasting effect on some of the children, and maybe inspire them to pursue medicine as a career.
He said that could prove beneficial for Portland and other regional communities that can struggle to attract medical professionals.
“We know the strongest factor in ensuring doctors will end up in regional areas is by getting people who have links there. That was something Karl was passionate about,” he said,
“There are students who come out for four-week rotations and we have talked about doing regular workshops.
“This is something I was hoping to be able to do when I started as a medical student. Not only do I want to be able to help with people’s health but also within the community.”
Mr Lemon said the workshop with the scouts was a good example of a project that was far more liekly to happen in the country than in the city.
He said Portland was providing an excellent experience.
“I’ve loved it here. I’m a city kid and we are required to do a four-week rotation in a rural area. It’s been fantastic to get out and instead of sitting in city traffic, having nice country scenery. It’s a lot more holistic and you get to know people a lot better.”