says Brandon Brower, “And scholarships like this make a big difference. But even more importantly, being involved in the community and knowing other medical students and residents through this program creates a support system that’s invaluable.” Cole Gordon echoed this sentiment: “School’s expensive, and this scholarship takes some of the financial burden away, allowing me to focus on my studies and give back to the community.” “It’s amazing to see how much the community values us as medical students and wants us to return,” Abigaile Beamish adds. “Knowing they’re willing to go the extra mile to show that support means a lot.” Ashlyn Hersey, who has deep roots in the area, shared her perspective: “St. Thomas is my home. My family and extended family are here, and this scholarship reminds me how much the community needs family doctors.” Patrick Sharmon, who is studying at University College Cork in Ireland, acknowledged the additional challenges faced by international students. “There are more hurdles coming back to Canada,” he says, “But knowing there are people in the community looking out for you makes a big difference,” Patrick Acres, who grew up in Elgin County, reflected on the significance of the program: “This community is a huge part of who I am. For the Health Recruitment team to prioritize bringing back local talent is really special to me.” The Elgin St. Thomas Health Recruitment Partnership con- tinues to play a vital role in addressing the critical family doctor shortage while fostering meaningful relationships with the next generation of medical professionals.
recounted how the event changed after one student asked to bring their parents. “Now, parents share their stories and hopes for their children and students exchange contact information and build friendships,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to see these connections forming, and we hope these relationships encourage them to return to the community together.” Vicky Acres, mother of scholarship recipient Patrick Acres, highlighted the importance of the luncheon: “It’s so much easier when you have that support system. Patrick’s always been a small-town guy, and events like this reinforce his connection to the community. We couldn’t be prouder of him and the other recipients. They’re creating a network for themselves, and in time, they might come back and work together.” For the recipients, the scholarships provide both financial relief and a sense of belonging. “Medical school is very expensive,”
Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 21
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