Medical teaching program in a rural northern hospital

Canada has a population of over 100,000 Aboriginal people who live in remote northern communities. Their culture and health care needs differ substantially from those of Canadian urban and rural non-Aboriginal populations. The health care delivery system is largely based on primary care nurses supported by family physicians. In Canada there is a dearth of training opportunities for medical practitioners interested in such a northern practice. The University of Toronto Sioux Lookout Program is based in the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital, the busiest Aboriginal hospital in Canada. The program trains family practice residents, pediatric residents, and medical students from the University of Toronto, as well as graduate nurses preparing for northern primary care practice. Training focuses on exposure to Aboriginal culture and health care problems particular to our patient population. Enhanced understanding of northern Aboriginal life and improved recruitment of health care professionals are important goals of the teaching program.