2 March 2025
Silvera residents and medical students from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine are both benefitting from a new partnership at our supportive living communities.
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| Palak Patel and Fatima Iqbal, medical students from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, at Shawnessy Commons Feb. 28, 2025 |
This is the second year Silvera has participated in Community Engaged Learning, an innovative approach to medical education at the Cumming School that integrates students into community settings. The program places 16 first-year medical students into Silvera’s supportive living settings, with the goal of bettering the future of healthcare while fostering meaningful interactions between students and residents.
Shawnessy Commons recently welcomed Palak Patel and Fatima Iqbal, two enthusiastic medical students who will be visiting the community twice a month until November. They are planning to engage with residents through conversations, games, exercises and special programming. They will also be presenting on different health topics each month, starting with Heart Health in February.
Gayle Ellis, Silvera’s advisor for Co-creating Learning & Leisure, has been instrumental in guiding the medical student initiative at Silvera.
“Ultimately, the goal is for these students to become better doctors based upon their experiences in our communities,” she says. “Their time with Silvera will help them understand the challenges seniors face in accessing care. An important part of being a doctor is building relationships, and these intergenerational experiences are an organic way to do that.”
Fatima, who has an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Medical Sciences, is now enrolled in the Leaders in Medicine program at U of C. She says she’s enjoyed her discussions with residents about their lives and experiences in and out of hospitals. She had a memorable conversation with a resident who had helped people who suffered severe trauma. “I had the opportunity to ask him about things I should look out for in the ER and how I can build rapport with people in trauma settings,” she says.
Palak, who has a background in kinesiology and biotechnology, is looking forward to learning more about seniors. “I haven’t had much experience with the geriatric population, but my time at Shawnessy has been great so far. We’ve heard lots of stories, participated in cardio dance and shuffleboard, and have had interesting discussions ranging from exercise, DNA, AI in medicine, and cancer.”
Throughout the year, students will be practicing their presentation skills, checking blood pressures, and participating in a variety of seniors’ activities, all while forging stronger connections with the residents.
“The initiative provides students with practicum hours while also offering a safe space for them to present and engage with a supportive audience,” Gayle says.
“It’s a fantastic program that really shows the power of community engagement in shaping compassionate and well-rounded future doctors.”