The new students in the Northern Medical Program are wrapping up their orientation activities this weekend in advance of their first classes at UNBC on Monday, January 9. The 24 students have completed their first semester of courses at UBC in Vancouver and now have the opportunity to complete their medical education in northern BC.

Members of the media are welcome to meet the new students on Monday, at noon, in the Dr. Donald Rix Northern Health Sciences Centre at UNBC. Dr. David Snadden of the Northern Medical Program will provide introductory remarks.

The Northern Medical Program is a partnership between UBC and the University of Northern British Columbia and is an integral part of the expansion of UBC's Faculty of Medicine. The goal of the Program is to train physicians in the north for rural and northern practice.

The program is vital to meeting the critical need of northern communities for health care professionals. The curriculum is being delivered through a combination of cutting-edge videoconference and internet technology, face-to-face instruction, and learning from local doctors in various health care settings throughout northern BC.

The first group of Northern Medical Program students began their coursework at UNBC last January. They are continuing to take courses at the University this semester in advance of the third and fourth years of the program, which provide enhanced opportunities for on-the-job education at Prince George Regional Hospital and other regional health care locations.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622