Discovery Day attracts students from across the province

More than 200 high school students and teachers were on U of M’s Bannatyne campus on the morning of November 8 for TD Discovery Day in Health Sciences. A total of 60 schools from across Manitoba – half of which are from Northern Manitoba, First Nations and rural communities – participated in the day-long event.

“These sessions expose youth participants from across the province to a variety of health related fields and professions,” says Brian Postl, dean of Medicine. “An event like Discovery Day, which educates students about future opportunities, has the potential to spark an interest in health sciences and help motivate students to work hard toward a career they are passionate about.”

The 13^th annual event, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and organized by The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in London, Ontario, gives Grade 11 and 12 students the chance to interact with health professionals in their research labs and teaching spaces on campus and in other affiliated sites.

“Our mission is to recognize and celebrate Canadian heroes whose work has advanced health thereby inspiring the pursuit of careers in the health sciences,” said Lissa Foster, executive director of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. “Achieving this mission is only possible through outstanding partnerships such as the one we have with the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Medicine.”

“We are so pleased to work with U of M again and with Winnipeg local Laureate Dr. Allan Ronald to help Manitoba’s youth solidify their interest in this important field.”

Allan Ronald, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and renowned infectious-disease researcher, was inducted into The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2010, and is the presenting sponsor of the keynote lecture.

(Scroll down for more photos from Discovery Day 2013.)

High School students participate in Discovery Days by simulating medical procedures on a mannequin. /// Photo by Dan Gwozdz

Discovery Day 2013. // Photo by Dan Gwozdz