Students Explore Healthcare Careers at Discovery Healthcare Camp
July 10, 2026
Twenty-four high school students from across Huron County and surrounding areas spent an exciting week exploring the world of healthcare at Discovery Healthcare Camp in Goderich. Led by medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the camp provided students with hands-on clinical experiences, opportunities to discover a wide range of healthcare careers, and the chance to learn directly from healthcare professionals in our community, including teams from Huron County Paramedic Services, Maitland Valley Family Health Team, and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH).
“Programs like this are an investment in the future of healthcare,” said Jimmy Trieu, President and CEO of Huron Health System. “Throughout the week, it has been incredible to see the students' curiosity come to life. They’ve asked thoughtful questions, explored every opportunity to learn, and shown a genuine interest in healthcare careers. Inspiring young people early is essential to building a strong, skilled workforce that will continue to provide exceptional care for our communities for years to come.”
The impact of the camp can be seen at AMGH, where Laurie Hakkers, Interim Manager of the Emergency Department, first discovered her passion for healthcare through a summer camp just like this one. Her journey demonstrates how early exposure can spark a lifelong interest and inspire students to pursue rewarding careers caring for their own communities.
Gateway CERH launched Discovery Healthcare Camp in 2022 in partnership with Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Huron Health System, and the Goderich Lions Club. Together, they are inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals while helping strengthen the future of rural healthcare.
Throughout the week, students took part in interactive learning experiences, including casting and suturing workshops, CPR and life-saving skills, and behind-the-scenes hospital tour. The week concluded with a graduation BBQ celebrating the students' achievements alongside their families, community partners, and mentors.
Gwen Devereaux, President of the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH), said, “Gateway CERH, together with our partners, is so pleased to welcome a wonderful group of high school students to Discovery Healthcare Camp at Camp Klahanie in Goderich. This one-week camp, delivered by Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, will help these students consider a career in healthcare. We know this initiative is so important as we face a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural communities such as ours.”
Gateway CERH
launched Discovery Healthcare Camp in 2022 in partnership with Schulich School
of Medicine & Dentistry, Huron Health System, and the Goderich Lions Club.
Together, they are inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals
while helping strengthen the future of rural healthcare.