Selkirk College Rural Pre-Medicine Program Receives Major Funding Boost
By Bob Hall
The Selkirk College Rural Pre-Medicine Program has received $1 million from the provincial government and the Doctors of BC.
The funding will support the college in launching its new three-year program intended to provide more educational opportunities for rural and Aboriginal students interested in practising medicine in a rural setting.
“We recognize the challenges faced by rural communities in recruiting and retaining doctors,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “The new program at Selkirk College recognizes that people who have roots in rural BC are more likely to stay in those communities and this program is an innovative way to encourage rural students to pursue their interest in medicine.”
The unique curriculum weaves together courses tailored to practising rural medicine, such assmall business management, with courses recommended for the Medical College AdmissionsTest (MCAT) and admission to medical school.
“As an ER physician who has worked for over a decade in a remote community, I understandthe challenges and the rewards of rural practice,” said Dr. William Cunningham, president ofDoctors of BC. “This initiative is one part of the work being done to bring long-term solutions tophysician recruitment and retention. It shows how Doctors of BC is helping to make ameaningful difference in rural health-care delivery.”
The program will also provide opportunities for community placements and participation inrural health research projects. Students will also receive training aimed at developing skills suchas mediation, self-awareness, resiliency, team building and leadership to support themthroughout their careers.
“Our vision is to offer a comprehensive program that will prepare and support rural andAboriginal undergraduates to apply to medical school, succeed in medical school and ultimatelypractice as rural physicians,” said Selkirk College president Angus Graeme.
The program will begin in September 2014 and prospective students can apply now. Each year,admission will be offered to 24 students.
The curriculum was developed in consultation with experts in rural medical education.Students completing this program are eligible to apply to the University of British Columbia’s medical school in Prince George and the Okanagan, as well as the Lower Mainland.
Funding for the program is being provided through the Joint Standing Committee on RuralIssues, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Doctors of BC. The committeedevelops programs that strengthen rural health care and encourage physicians to live andpractise in rural and remote areas of the province.
