In rural Alberta, where population density and isolation from larger centres are constant factors, quick emergency services and access to services are sometimes lacking.

But the Young Medical Minds program in Camrose shows youth what it's like to be a healthcare professional and introduces them to the local medical system. Throughout the six-week course, students follow a simulated patient experience, from the time of injury to rehabilitation. The hope is that they'll see a future in healthcare, and maybe end up working in a small community like the one they were raised in.

Dr. Chris Nichol, family physician and medical director of the program, and Rebekah Seidel, representative with the Rural Health Professionals Action Plan, join us to talk about the healthcare systems of small centres.