Discovery Healthcare Camp – Providing the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals a Head Start
July 22, 2026
Early launch into career in medicine for high school students Discovery Healthcare Camp provides high school students an opportunity for meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Today’s high school students are seeking meaningful, hands-on experiences that help them explore potential career paths well before entering post-secondary education. Discovery Healthcare Camp gives students the opportunity to step directly into the world of health care beyond the classroom. Campers gain experience in clinical skills, work alongside mentors and learn about a wide range of careers including medicine, nursing, dentistry, EMS and allied health professions. For many students, the experience is both inspiring and clarifying, helping them understand the real-world impact of health care and their potential role within it.
Discovery Healthcare is a one-week medical science summer camp for high school students organized by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University.
The camp provides a tangible/memorable learning opportunity and cultivates interest in medical careers among young people. By creating pathways for youth to practice in rural settings, communities can work toward closing the health-care gap and ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, have access to quality care.
Dana Howes, President and CEO of Hanover and District Hospital says, "We are thrilled to welcome Discovery Health Camp back to Hanover & District Hospital for a second consecutive year. Investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen the future of rural healthcare. By giving students hands-on experiences alongside our talented physicians and staff, we hope to inspire them to see the incredible opportunities that exist in community hospitals like HDH. We are proud to once again partner in this important initiative and look forward to another week of learning, discovery, and inspiration."
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry remains committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of health-care professionals. As communities across Ontario continue to face health workforce challenges, hosting Discovery Healthcare Camp supports the School’s mission to foster early interest in health-care careers, strengthen regional partnerships, and promote pathways into medicine and health sciences. By connecting youth with faculty, medical students, and community partners, the camp helps build long-term interest in serving local and underserved communities.
“Discovery Healthcare continues to be a powerful way to nurture curiosity and confidence of young people who are considering futures in health care,” said Dr. Victor Ng, Assistant Dean, Distributed Education at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. “By giving students hands-on experiences and meaningful access to health-care professionals, the camp helps them see themselves in these roles. Inspiring the next generation of practitioners is essential as we expand learning pathways that support students and the communities they will one day serve.
The camp is led by first- and second-year medical students. These future medical professionals spend the week providing mentorship and learning opportunities for the campers.
Discovery Healthcare is being offered in 10 communities over three weeks:
Week 1: July 6 - July 10, 2026
- Goderich in partnership with Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health and Alexandra Marine & General Hospital
- Sarnia in partnership with Bluewater Health and Lambton College
- Owen Sound in partnership with Brightshores Health System
- Leamington in partnership with Erie Shores Healthcare
Week 2: July 13 - July 17, 2026
- Chatham in partnership with Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
- Stratford in partnership with Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
- Woodstock in partnership with Woodstock Hospital
- Windsor in partnership with Schulich Medicine, Windsor Campus and University of Windsor
Week 3: July 20 - July 24, 2026
- St. Thomas in partnership with the St. Thomas General Hospital
- Hanover in partnership with Hanover and District Hospital
Campers participate in unique learning opportunities such as:
- Clinical skills sessions (suturing, casting, stethoscope activities, wound dressing)
- Talks from health-care professionals and opportunities for clinical exposure (job shadowing)
- Discussions involving the path to various health-care professions (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, EMS, and dentistry)
- Stand Up for Health (teaching Social Determinants of Health)
- An introduction to case-based learning and sample diagnostic cases
- Recreation sessions incorporating fun and team-building activities