Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Vol. 48, No. 11
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Med students get a sample of all things Viking Ally Anderson Staff Reporter Over the weekend, a group of 17 medical students from the University of Calgary and Mount Royal College gathered in Viking for a special “Amazing Race” style event aimed at fostering interest in practicing medicine in rural communities. Organized by the Attraction and Retention Committee, and in conjunction with Rural Health Professions Action Plan, the event introduced students to life in rural Alberta, highlighting the opportunities and rewards of working in smaller towns. The students arrived on Friday, March 14, where they were hosted at the Viking Inn, a cozy accommodation that set the tone for a weekend filled with learning, exploration, and community engagement. On Saturday morning, the students kicked off their experience at the Viking Hospital, where Dr. Kate
Overbo, along with a team of hospital staff, guided them through a tour of various hospital departments. Divided into small groups, the students got a firsthand look at how healthcare operates in a rural setting, gaining insight into the services offered and the close-knit nature of small-town medical teams. After a catered lunch at the Viking Carena, the students participated in the Amazing Race Viking, an exciting event that took them on a series of challenges around the town. There were five different stops, each featuring a unique task that required teamwork, problem-solving, and physical activity. One of the stops was at Viking School, where local farmer, brewery owner, and former CFL star Kevin Lefsrud welcomed the students. He shared interesting statistics about how many students from Viking go on to university and emphasized the strong sense of community support. The students’ task at this location was axe throwing, where they had three
chances to score points for their teams. Afterward, they had the chance to check out Lefsrud’s prized CFL Grey Cup rings and other championship rings from his illustrious career. At the Community Hall, twin brothers Dr. Bryan and Dr. Glenn Nordstrom introduced the students to the art of team roping, while also painting a picture of life in a rural town. They discussed the ease of commuting to work (a mere five-minute drive) and the many activities and tight-knit community spirit. The students’ challenge at this station was to rope a bull in the shortest amount of time before moving on to the next location. Continued on Page 4 Pictured above: one of the unique experiences that the medical students were able to receive on Saturday was an up close look at Darryl Sutter’s two Stanley Cup rings.