For 25 years, Brock University’s Med Plus program has been a launching pad for students aspiring to enter the health-care field.

A vital part of Brock’s broader Career Education portfolio, the four-year co-curricular program is designed to complement students’ academic studies while providing specialized training in health care-related fields through professional mentorship, observational visits, job shadowing and specialized training.

These experiential learning opportunities have played a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of graduates like Rebekah Feld (BSc ’22, MSc ’24) and Matthew McGarr (BSc ’18).

Feld, who is now pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at Queen’s University, says that being exposed to a range of health-care careers allowed her to explore and appreciate the wide variety of pathways available to her.

“The Med Plus advisors were incredibly supportive in preparing professional school applications and interview prep, but most importantly, they provided encouragement through the highs and lows of the medical school process,” she says.

McGarr, now a third-year Anesthesiology resident at the University of Ottawa, credits Med Plus with helping him navigate the complexities of entering the medical field.

“Every industry has a culture; its own language, behaviours and expectations,” he said. “I was keen to pursue medicine from a young age, but without family or friends in the field, it felt daunting. Med Plus removed many of the barriers and connected me with mentors I still keep in touch with today. It placed me in the environment I wanted to work in and allowed me time to build connections and learn the culture of the field.”

A defining moment for McGarr came during a job-shadowing opportunity at St. Catharines hospital.

“It was my first ever day in a hospital setting, and I was anxious but excited,” he said. “I learned and saw so much. It opened my eyes to just how many different jobs and roles exist in health care to keep the system running. My family even placed bets on whether I would pass out during surgery, but I was completely enthralled. Now, I’ve dedicated my career to the operating room, just on the other side of the surgical drape as an anesthesiologist.”

Feld had a similar experience when she shadowed a female general surgeon in her second year.

“The surgical team took the time to explain procedures and answer my questions, and I left that experience knowing I had found my path,” she said.

With a 90 per cent success rate in professional school admissions, graduate programs and career-related employment, Med Plus has established itself as a leader in experiential learning.

“Med Plus has continuously adapted to the evolving health-care landscape to ensure that students are not only prepared for careers in health care but are positioned to lead and innovate in this field,” said Katrina D’Intino, Manager of Co-Curricular Experiential Learning and Programs.

Each year, the program’s almost 200 students collectively complete more than 10,000 hours of community service and take part in more than 170 hours of professional development programming. The program also fosters a strong support network among students through a formal mentorship initiative that pairs senior students with first-year participants.

“The most rewarding moments are watching students discover their passion through Med Plus sessions or job shadowing,” said D’Intino. “Seeing alumni return as guest speakers to inspire the next generation is incredibly gratifying.”

Students interested in the Med Plus program can still apply for September 2025 entry until Tuesday, April 15.