Pembroke Regional Hospital sees growth in medical learners

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Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) is experiencing an increase in the number of medical learners it hosts, a trend that hospital leadership says holds promise for future recruitment and continued excellence in patient care.

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Each year, the hospital hosts more than 300 learners across various disciplines, with a significant portion coming from medical programs. These individuals are integrated into different departments and specialties, working alongside staff as part of their training.

“Our commitment to education and training is unwavering,” said PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann. “By supporting these learners, we are investing in the future of health care and that is really exciting. We not only welcome them in to our hospital, but to our broader community as well and we take the time to showcase the lifestyle that our region has to offer.”

For the upcoming academic year, PRH will welcome 191 medical learners, whose placements will range from a single day to as long as two years.

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This growing group includes third-year medical students from the University of Ottawa in specialties such as general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine. The hospital is also hosting family medicine and general surgery residents in their final two years of training, as well as international medical students, midwives, and physician assistants.

The steady increase in learner placements has been observed over the past several years, with further growth expected. Mersmann expressed appreciation for both the learners and the hospital staff supporting them.

The dedication and passion of these individuals is truly inspiring Mersmann said adding it’s exciting to see them thrive as part of the health care team.

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She also acknowledged the commitment of PRH’s physicians and staff, who continue to provide mentorship and hands-on experience despite increasing demand. Mersmann emphasized the value of investing in these learners’ educational journeys and highlighted the benefits they bring to the hospital environment, including new perspectives and a strong enthusiasm for learning.

Hospital officials view this initiative not only as an important contribution to medical education but also as a strategic advantage in attracting future professionals to the region. By offering meaningful clinical experiences, PRH hopes to retain some of these learners as permanent members of its health care workforce.

“This not only enhances the quality of care we provide but it also helps to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By integrating learners into our health care team, we ensure that our patients benefit from the latest advancements in medical knowledge and practice while we help shape those who will care for our residents in the years to come,” Mersmann said.

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