Northern Medical Program Has Highest Ever Number of Grads Going to Rural Residencies
Media Release
April 19, 2009
| The Northern Medical Program (NMP) received a national award from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada for producing rural doctors at the highest rate in the society’s 16 year history. During a gala banquet in Halifax on Friday, the Society presented the NMP with the Rural Medical Education Award. It is bestowed each year on a medical program that has excelled in producing graduates headed for a career in rural medicine. In 2008, 57% of NMP grads were placed in rural residencies. “Last year, the NMP had the highest percentage of graduates matched to rural residencies we had ever seen,” says Dr. Michael Jong, the SRPC’s Chair of Nominations and Awards Committee. “57% is an outstanding outcome for rural medicine.” The Northern Medical Program is a partnership between the University of British Columbia and UNBC and has been an integral part of the expansion of UBC's Faculty of Medicine. “This is proof positive that the program is thriving within its mandate of training physicians for rural and northern practice,” says UNBC’s Vice Provost of Medicine, Dr. David Snadden. “I would like to thank Northern Health, our supporters, and the physicians and communities of the North. Without their support the program would not even be possible.” The SRPC is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 2500 of Canada’s rural physicians. The Society provides leadership for rural physicians and promotes sustainable conditions and equitable health care for rural communities. “This success by the NMP allows people living in rural communities to receive the health care they deserve in their own community.” says Dr Michelle Sutter, President of the Northern Medical Society. “We have always believed that doctors trained in the North stay in the North and we are honoured to assist in their training.” |
Media Downloads Click on the thumbnails to open high resolution images of the award presentation in Halifax and the first graduating class of the Northern Medical Program on the Prince George campus in May, 2008.
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Contact:
Michael Kellett, Communications Officer, UNBC – 250.960.5621
Dr. David Snadden, UNBC Vice Provost Medicine, UNBC – 250.960.6172
Dr. Michael Jong, SRPC’s Chair of Nominations and Awards Committee - 709.897.2268