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.
The Station Gallery hosted two fascinating events. Amanda Nordstrom and Diane Hanson shared the cultural significance of trolls in Nordic history and the difference between trolls and gnomes. Students then crafted their own gnome ornaments as a keepsake from the event.
Afterward, Shawn Smith, a local C.N. historian, gave an informative session on the history of the C.N. railway and its impact on Viking. To progress to the next challenge, students had to answer trivia questions about the C.N. Railway.
The Viking Carena served as the next stop, where local hockey legend Darryl Sutter entertained students with stories about his family and the legacy of the Sutter brothers in the NHL. Chris Sutter and Todd Ritchie offered a fun, hands-on session, teaching students some basic stick-handling skills and challenging them to score three goals before they could meet Grace Sutter in the lobby. During an open Q&A, one student humorously asked Grace, “Which son is your favorite?” to which she chuckled and replied, “I wonder who told you to ask that?”
The final station in the Amazing Race Viking took students to the Viking Historical Museum, where Mike and Morgan Lawes gave an engaging history of the town. The students’ challenge here was to complete a scavenger hunt, finding specific items in the museum before receiving their final clue that led them to the Viking Medical Clinic.
The event culminated in a banquet at the Community Hall, where volunteers, students, and RhPAP staff gathered to enjoy food, drinks, and lively conversations. It was a chance for the students to reflect on their experiences and interact with local residents, gaining a deeper appreciation for rural life and healthcare in small communities.
On Sunday, the students were bussed to Tofield to continue their exploration, spending time in the hospital there and doing rounds, further immersing themselves in rural healthcare.
This unique event provided medical students with an up-close look at the benefits and challenges of rural living and practicing medicine in smaller towns. By offering them a chance to engage with local professionals, experience life in Viking, and explore the opportunities available in rural Alberta, the Attraction and Retention Committee hopes to inspire more future doctors to choose rural communities for their careers.
Ally Anderson
Staff Reporter
