The aspiring physician who spent a year in Estevan through the longitudinal integrated clinical (LIC) clerkship practicum program has wrapped up her time in the city, and found the experience to be informative and fulfilling.
Lindsay Richels spent a year working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, learning the ins and outs of the medical industry. Her final day in Estevan was July 18.
The past year afforded her some great learning opportunities, and she couldn’t have asked for more, between St. Joseph’s, the staff and the community.
“I was able to rotate with pretty much every physician there,” said Richels. “I definitely got a taste of all the corners of St. Joseph’s, and all of the different practice models that the physicians have, how each of them functions in Estevan at St. Joseph’s, and in their practice in the community.”
Richels worked particularly closely with Dr. Edward Krickan, who is among the main preceptors of the LCI program in Estevan.
She really liked the variety associated with the LIC program. If it wasn’t busy, she could go to the emergency department to help out, which was a favourite area of the hospital and of her time in Estevan.
If there was an urgent case in the operating room, she was pleased to assist there, because she felt like she was part of the team, and a valued member of a small hospital.
“I always felt really wanted to be around, and helpful, and I really enjoyed that,” said Richels.
She also enjoyed procedure days, with joint injections, mole removals and other tasks.
The past year spent in Estevan will help with her confidence as she enters her fourth year of medical school.
“I’ve already noticed competing with residents in Regina to do procedures, or to see patients. I’ve definitely appreciated my role in Estevan, and seeing what happens there just gave me the hands-on opportunities and allowed me to build my skill set.”
Richels would welcome the opportunity to practice in Estevan once she completes her medical training and her residency. Her husband is from south Saskatchewan region, so this part of the province would be on her radar.
“I fell in love with the community, and the patients, and the hospital, and everybody there, so it’s definitely one the places that I would definitely like to work in the future.”
When she wasn’t working at the hospital, her family spent a lot of time camping in the spring and summer months. They went golfing a few times, and enjoyed the benefits of living in a smaller community.
Richels is now moving on to her fourth year of study. During that time, she will have a pair of two-week electives, which are determined by the students.
She applied to work across the country, and will spend time at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and at the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. She will also have stints in Calgary and Regina.
St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort said the hospital is extremely appreciative of the staff and physicians who worked collaboratively to make this first year in the LIC program a success.
“Lindsay was an exceptional student and St. Joseph’s Hospital was very fortunate to have Lindsay as our first LIC student,” said Hoffort. “Her success certainly reflects well on our organization and has led to the establishment of this program on a full-time basis.”
Two new students will be coming to the hospital in mid-August. Richels said she would recommend the LIC program to anyone at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, and believes Estevan is the right place for the LIC.
“Enjoy it while you’re there. Third year is amazing, and you’ll look back on the year and see how much you’ve grown. Try not to be frustrated, because the skills will come, and appreciate how lucky you are to be in such a great facility with such great mentors.”
