December 4, 2000 For Immediate Release

Dr Harvey Thommasen, currently a medical doctor in Houston, BC, has been appointed Chair of the University's program in Community Health. He will begin his appointment at UNBC in April, 2001.

Dr Thommasen has extensive experience researching northern health issues. He has been a family practitioner in rural communities for most of career, and worked in Bella Coola before his current position in Houston. His research has covered a wide range of topics, including biomedicine, environmental issues, First Nations traditions, nursing, HIV, and the factors contributing to rural doctor retention and burn-out. Dr Thommasen is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Practice.

"The appointment of Dr Thommasen is a very significant step forward in the development of our Community Health program, in particular, and medical education in general at UNBC," says Robin Fisher, Dean of Arts, Social and Health Sciences at UNBC. "We are fortunate to have added to our faculty such an accomplished researcher and rural practitioner who is dedicated to developing a greater understanding of the broad range of northern health issues."

UNBC's master's of science in Community Health is an interdisciplinary degree designed to enhance the skills and capacity of health professionals already working in the North. To date, nearly 20 students have graduated from the program, including a cohort of students in the Northwest (with students from Terrace, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert). Currently, a cohort of health professionals in Whitehorse is registered in the degree program.

UNBC continues to develop options for enhancing medical education in the North. A presentation is planned for the January National Health Summit in Prince George.