November 14, 2003 For Immediate Release

Officials from the University of Northern British Columbia will be visiting communities in the Northeast to pass on information about the Northern Medical Program and identify opportunities for community-university collaboration.

The Northern Medical Program has been developed by UNBC and the University of British Columbia (UBC) to more effectively train physicians for practice in northern and rural communities. It will accept its first 24 students in the Fall of 2004. The visits will help to connect the NMP with local doctors, community representatives, and First Nations.

Mackenzie - Nov 17
Chetwynd - Nov 17 (evening) and Nov 18 (morning)
Dawson Creek - Nov 18 (afternoon) and Nov 19 (morning)
Taylor - Nov 19 (afternoon)
Fort St John - Nov 19 (evening), Nov 20 (afternoon and evening), and Nov 21 (morning)
Hudson's Hope - Nov 20 (morning)

Dr David Snadden, the leader of the Northern Medical Program, will be joined on the visits by Tom Berekoff, UNBC's Director of Development.

"Physicians around northern BC are absolutely critical to the development, launch, and future success of the northern Medical Program," says Dr Snadden. "It will be their role as teachers and mentors that will ensure students have the right skills and attitude for rural practice. Communities, likewise, are critical. Nearly 20 communities are part of the Northern Medical Programs Trust, a partnership between them and the University to provide financial and moral support for students."