Physicians, doctors-to-be help out at Winnipeg shelter

Resident physicians and University of Manitoba medical students lent a helping hand to those in need at Siloam Mission Wednesday.

"There's a growing attention towards how the socio-economic factors of a person's life really determine their health," said Dr. Leslie Anderson.

Anderson and a group of her peers spent the day at the Winnipeg shelter learning first-hand what goes into making the place run, and who is on the receiving end of its services.

"We wanted to have a better understanding of our patients — how they are in the community, how they live — so that we can treat them much better when hey come into us," Anderson, who is the co-president of the Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba, told CBC News.

The event also gave the medical health professionals a chance to give back, Anderson said.

"I think it does increase our understanding a lot and really connects us to the community, because we are an integral part of the community," Anderson said, adding the event was also "a lot of fun."

"We're having a great time. It's really amazing to meet people [at Siloam Mission] and see how the operation runs. It's an amazing service and it's wonderful that we have this in our community."

The event was part of Resident Awareness Week, a national program meant to help introduce different Canadian populations to the role resident doctors play in the health-care system.