RURAL PHYSICIAN TRAINING PILOT LAUNCHES IN GP
Grande Prairie will be one of five Alberta communities involved in a one-month pilot of a Preclinical Networked Medical Education Program this fall. The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry announced details of the pilot this week.
The program will launch a new method of training physicians in pre-clerkship years, allowing for earlier exposure to generalist role models, earlier and longer exposure to rural / regional settings, and increased inter-professional educational experience.
The announcement is welcome news to the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, which has been actively involved in the issue since identifying the improvement of health-care infrastructure and availability of health-care services as the number one priority of its members in 2007.
Local training of MD’s was seen as critical to achieving this objective, and has been made possible through the hard work of many local partners, including Grande Prairie Regional College, the former Peace Country Health, Peace Region Economic Development Association (PREDA), Rural Alberta’s Development Fund, The Centre for Research and Innovation, QEII Hospital, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and the Chamber’s Grande Prairie Healthcare Action Committee.
Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Wade Doris says the Preclinical Networked Medical Education is the best response to the current critical shortage of family doctors throughout the province, as it grows the capacity and effectiveness of a number of existing programs and institutions.
“What this will do is essentially turn the entire province into a ‘campus’ for Alberta Medical Schools.” Doris says, “It will give students the opportunity to experience and connect with physicians and facilities in regional centers like Grande Prairie, and hopefully, encourage them to choose a career in rural family medicine.”
The pilot will begin this September, with the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry placing thirteen students in three regional communities; Grande Prairie, Peace River, and Hinton. In addition, the University of Calgary will place eleven students in Lethbridge and Olds, bringing to 24 the total number of students participating in the pilot.
SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Get Your Nominations In Today!
Small Business Week is October 18-22, and the Chamber needs your help recognizing excellence in the business community.
Nominations are now being accepted for:
Business of the Year
Employee of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Employer of Choice
Criteria for Each Award & Nomination Forms are available at www.GrandePrairieChamber.com
City of Grande Prairie Cultural Master Plan
PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday, September 8
10:00am-12:00pm or 7:00-9:00pm
Rotary Community Room @ Montrose Cultural Centre
Led by Catherine C. Cole & Associates.
Shaun Visser, Architectural Consultant to the Cultural Master Plan will also be present to discuss the potential for a performing arts centre.
10:00am or 7:00pm
Informal Discussion on the Plan Elements including Cultural Mapping, Vision, etc.
10:30am or 7:30pm
PowerPoint presentation of the findings to date
11:00am or 8:00pm
Q & A Session regarding other Plan elements, such as a Legacy for the Community from the successful hosting of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Gala Awards, Public Art, Festivals, etc.
County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Election 2010
Nomination Day
September 20, 10:00am-12:00pm
County Administration Building
Voting Locations To Be Announced
Advance Vote – Saturday, October 2
Election Day – Monday, October 18
