Hanover & District Hospital and Hanover Medical Associates Partner with Queen’s University to Support Rural Medical Education
August 07, 2025
Hanover & District Hospital (HDH), in partnership with Hanover Medical Associates, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Queen’s University’s School of Medicine to support third-year medical students during their clerkship year. This initiative demonstrates HDH’s and Hanover Medical Associates’ shared commitment to supporting the future of rural health care through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Through this partnership, medical students from Queen’s will complete a 14-week, community-based rotation rooted in family medicine. The program is designed to immerse students in generalist practice by working alongside local physicians in the clinic, hospital, and emergency department.
Two students will participate in the rotation at a time, with a total of six students expected to complete their clerkship at HDH and Hanover Medical Associates each year.
Each student will be paired with two—occasionally three—main preceptors and will work with them in clinic two to three days per week. This long-form rotation model strengthens mentorship, fosters continuity, and offers learners a holistic understanding of the patient journey in a rural setting.
In addition to this new partnership with Queen’s, HDH and Hanover Medical Associates will continue to welcome medical students from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and select international medical schools for shorter 2- to 4-week rotations. This ongoing commitment to a wide range of learners further illustrates the region’s strong dedication to investing in the future of rural health care.
“We are proud to welcome Queen’s medical students to our hospital and our medical community,” said Dana Howes, President and CEO, at HDH. “By exposing learners to the depth and breadth of rural medicine, we are actively investing in the future health and wellness of our region.”
Dr. Timothy Heerema, a physician with Hanover Medical Associates, added: “This is a meaningful opportunity for our local physicians to share their knowledge and passion for rural practice. It’s also a chance to inspire the next generation of doctors to consider a rewarding career in a rural community.”
This partnership supports HDH’s and Hanover Medical Associates’ broader strategy to build and retain a strong rural health care workforce while continuing to provide high-quality, compassionate care close to home.
Pictured Queen’s University Medical Students – Reya Hanspal
and Vesa Mestanovski