Community Voices in Practice-Based Learning and Research Networks: Southwestern Ontario Network (SWON)

Photo taken by Cassandra Schulz of sign of Huron County, location of Bayfield Berry Farm in Southwestern Ontario.

Today an elderly couple that came to see me in clinic shared that the Bayfield Berry farm was open for picking, as they had just returned from a wonderful trip with their 4-year-old grandson. Their grandson had never been peach picking before, and despite his wife’s serious medical conditions, the husband happily relayed that they were able to share this wonderful memory with him.

People are often eager to share these experiences with me in clinic, along with recommendations for local eateries and seasonal activities. Over the years, I have worked to support family physicians as a locum (a temporary doctor) in communities across southwestern Ontario, from our largest centre, London, to medium-sized communities like St. Thomas and Stratford, smaller towns such as St. Marys, Grand Bend and Tillsonburg, to hamlets and villages like Sheddon and Hensall. I know the best spots to find treats in these communities, with thanks owed to the patients that are keen to share them. Healthcare system research should follow the same strategy, using information shared by the people in these distinct communities to guide flexible, personalized and responsive expert medical care.

The above communities fall within the Southwestern Ontario Network (SWON), the Western University Department of Family Medicine Practice-Based Learning and Research Network (PBLRN). Our southwestern Ontario region is the site of Ontario’s prime agricultural area and hosts a diverse population thanks to large urban centers, border cities, and rural and Indigenous communities. As SWON is nearing its first anniversary, our team of physicians and researchers is investing in partnerships with these communities to provide the foundation for research excellence in our primary healthcare system.

Photo taken by Cassandra Schulz of farm in West Perth.

Western University’s Department of Family Medicine is currently increasing family medicine residency positions in London, Woodstock and Sarnia in response to the primary care needs of our province. SWON is ready to support our existing primary care clinics and future physician practices through local engagement. We believe that the strength of our healthcare system is linked to its ability to listen to the questions and concerns of our healthcare teams and effectively respond to the health needs of people in our communities.

Dr. Cassandra Schulz, Clinical Lead, Southwestern Ontario Network

More information can be found at https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/familymedicine/research/swon/Index.html