Students choosing medical field for careers

Rick Garrick
Wawatay News
Whitefish Bay’s Alexa Lesperance learned more about potential health careers during the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Summer Health Sciences Camp.
“I was already very set on being a naturopathic doctor, but this camp definitely broadened my horizons on what I would consider,” Lesperance said, explaining her father has taught her about traditional medicines he gathers from the land. “I’ve always been interested in how plants and remedies and natural ways can heal people.”
After attending the Summer Health Sciences Camp July 4-8 at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Lesperance is now giving the university more consideration for her postsecondary studies.
The Summer Health Sciences Camp offers a variety of hands-on activities for high school students who are interested in pursuing health careers, including X-ray rounds, DNA analysis, herbal remedies, healing ceremonies, physiology and health careers.
Northern Ontario’s only medical school, NOSM is a joint initiative of Lakehead University and Laurentian University with main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury.
Lac Seul’s Gail Binguis was surprised with her son Curtis’s efforts during the camp.
“I thought he was going to drop out within the first day, but no, every morning he looked forward to going,” Binguis said. “He jumped out of bed at 7 o’clock and had to be here at 8 o’clock. I wouldn’t see him all day until 4:30. He just texted me during his break saying we were doing this or we’re doing that, casting, CSI, various activities, a tour of the hospital, learning about all of the professions in the health field.”
Binguis said her son now has a better perspective of all the different jobs in the health field so he can think about what career he might aim for.
“It was a great experience and I felt very comfortable just knowing he was having fun and enjoying himself and learning,” Binguis said. “I’m just very happy he completed it and it’s good to see him reaching out.”
Curtis Binguis said he was interested in learning about different health care professions, such as social work, dentistry or physiotherapy.
“One activity that really stood out for me was the casting,” Binguis said. “I really enjoyed putting a cast on.”
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s Kristen Nanokeesic also enjoyed the casting session.
“It was really fun talking to all these awesome people,” Nanokeesic said. “It made me realize how much I want to get into the medical field.”
Nanokeesic had been planning to study nursing, but after listening to a social worker during the Summer Health Sciences Camp she is now considering social work.
“But, eventually, I want to apply to medical school.”