November 20, 2003 For Immediate Release

Officials from the University of Northern British Columbia will be visiting communities in the Northwest, Bulkley Valley, and the Omineca to pass on information about the Northern Medical Program and identify opportunities for community-university partnership.

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.

Prince Rupert - Nov 22 and 23
Terrace - November 24
Kitimat - November 25
Hazelton - November 25 (late afternoon and evening)
Smithers - Nov 26
Telkwa - Nov 27 (morning)
Houston - Nov 27 (afternoon)
Granisle - Nov 27 (evening)
Burns Lake - Nov 28 (morning)
Fraser Lake - Nov 28 (afternoon)
Fort St James - Nov 28 (evening)

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.”