Swanson legacy invests in rural medical students

This is possible, thanks to a generous housing subsidy by Dr. Stella Swanson, University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumni, and her children, Heidi, Eric and Jason.

Housing costs represent a significant barrier to medical students whose length of study is an endurance test. “We’re able to reassure the learners that we could subside their housing this year and subsequent years,” said Dr. Tara Lee (MD), Associate Dean of Rural Medicine.

Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of rural placements. “We know that positive exposure for learners in a rural practice greatly influences their choice to practice rural medicine. A large proportion of our population lives outside of urban centres so we need physicians to choose to practise in rural Saskatchewan.”

Dr. Stella Swanson is very passionate about the necessity of quality medical services—especially for under-served rural communities.

“I was born in a Red Cross Clinic,” says Swanson. “My family farmed near the remote community of Rockglen. We had no hospital or doctor. My mother barely survived the experience.”

The farm family’s harsh circumstances also yielded enormous benefits since young Stella developed a lifelong passion for natural science. It was at the University of Regina where the aspiring biologist met Rick Swanson, a local chemistry student. The young couple married at 21.

Upon graduation, the Swansons relocated to Saskatoon to continue their studies at USask. Rick immersed himself in the College of Medicine while Stella earned her PhD in Limnology. The Swansons, both from modest means, worked their way through school.

Dr. Rick Swanson joined Saskatoon’s Community Clinic in 1980 and eventually entered private practice. Rick Swanson taught at the universities of Saskatchewan and Calgary plus he authored popular family medicine textbooks.  

Dr. Rick Swanson’s passion burned bright. The physician-educator was a trailblazer who worked on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, advocated for and treated stigmatized AIDS patients and educated physicians on identifying and treating spousal abuse.

“Rick was very passionate about medical education,” says Swanson. “He was a born teacher as well as a fantastic doctor.” 

In 1996, Rick Swanson passed away in Calgary. His legacy lives on in his three children. “I’m now at a point in my life where I have built up the wherewithal to do what I’ve always dreamed of,” says Stella Swanson.

The Swanson family also endowed an annual award to recognize an outstanding rural physician. “Rick’s legacy is the dedication to make it possible to be a practitioner in rural medicine and to have the connections and continuing education you need to keep practising.”

The Swansons’ support for the College of Medicine is both heartfelt and pragmatic—just like Dr. Rick Swanson. “All four of us are so proud because we can just imagine the smile on Rick’s face.”