More than $200,000 in funding was approved Wednesday in the continuing effort to attract and retain healthcare professionals in Northern communities studying at UNBC.
CRD Area C Director, John Massier, who was recently elected president for the Northern Medical Programs Trust, says they receive testimonials every year from local students that received funding, and how much it has it benefited them.
“And they’ll talk about their experiences; how they’ve gone to a variety of communities in the North.”
“We have quite a few of the testimonials and they’re all incredibly excited to read and talk about their hands-on experiences in the communities”
“To date in the 10 years since it’s been going nearly 450 students have received awards from the Trust.”
In addition to continuing support for medical and nurse practitioner students, the Northern Medical Programs Trust members also approved the following:
- adding awards for UNBC nursing students
- enhanced funding for the Healthcare Traveling Roadshow, aimed at showcasing health careers to high school students
- a graduation prize for Northern Medical Program students pursuing a residency in Northern BC
- creating a community engagement program to increase the connections between communities and visiting students.
More than 30 Northern local governments and municipalities including the Cariboo Regional District, District of 100 Mile House, and the City of Quesnel, are members of the Northern Medical Program Trust.