Launched in 2010, the annual Healthcare Travelling Roadshow is focused on inspiring young minds in northern BC communities to consider health care as a future career.

Each spring, a multidisciplinary group of healthcare students travel to rural communities across Northern BC to showcase career opportunities to high school students. The program encourages participating post-secondary students to consider these rural communities as a potential career option and address rural healthcare workforce shortages. Delivered in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, UBC Faculty of Medicine, Northern Medical Programs Trust, Interior Health, and Rural Education Action Plan, the itinerary includes presentations to secondary school students in the mornings and community engagements and activities in the afternoons.

Peace Roadshow

Maranda Mazoka, BDSc 2024

This year, from April 28 to May 4, Maranda Mazoka, BDSc 2024, joined the Peace Roadshow and visited the cities of Fort Nelson, Chetwynd, and Mackenzie. During this time, she had the opportunity to expand her creativity and present the dental hygiene profession to 10th-grade students.

“I decided to attend the 2024 Healthcare Travelling Roadshow because I was intrigued by the opportunity to visit northern communities, learn about various healthcare specialties, and discover how we could promote our professions to high school students,” says Maranda. “While on the road, I learned about professions I was previously unfamiliar with, which then broadened my knowledge. This experience was one of the most memorable of my four-year degree and is perfect for any student wanting to expand their independence and passion for our profession!”

Nechako Roadshow

Veronica Wang, BDSc 2024

Veronica Wang, BDSc 2024, joined the Nechako Roadshow from May 12 to 18, visiting the cities of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Hazelton, Dease Lake and Stewart, where she had the opportunity to explore Northern BC and promote the dental hygiene profession to rural high school students.

“I found the Nechako roadshow to be very eye-opening. Chatting with the Indigenous community members allowed me to realize the gap in dental care between those who reside in rural and remote communities versus their city counterparts,” says Veronica. “The students were very happy with my hands-on station, and I connected with them on a personal level to understand their dreams and aspirations. After visiting the hospitals and various health facilities, I can see myself working in rural and remote communities in the near future. This trip was pivotal in my learning, and I can’t wait to return to the Nechako region!”

Kootenay Roadshow

Lastly, Kacie Haberlin, BDSc 2024, joined the Kootenay Roadshow from April 28 to May 3 and visited the cities of Castlegar, South Slocan and Kaslo.