U of L welcomes investment in physician training program
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on March 2, 2024.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com The University of Lethbridge says the province’s investment in a rural physician training program at the school will benefit Albertans On Thursday, the Alberta government in its budget announced that it was committing funding to the U of L for a Rural Medical Teaching School. The program will be run in partnership with the University of Calgary. “Access to a family physician is an incredible challenge for many families in small to mid-sized centres across southern Alberta — including rural and Indigenous communities. Investing in a program that recruits local students, and trains them locally, will lead to more doctors practicing in rural areas. Today’s announcement will greatly improve health outcomes for Albertans and access to family physicians,” said U of L president and vice-chancellor Digvir Jayas in a statement. ‘This program is possible due to the joint work undertaken with the University of Calgary and is a tremendous example of what is possible when institutions work together. We are excited to continue this work, Jayas added. The capital investment to transform the university’s Community Centre for Wellness into a teaching facility for medical students “will add state-of-the-art learning spaces as well as provide opportunities to serve the community. Renovating an existing building for these important activities is also a prudent investment and will accelerate the establishment of a rural physician training program,” the president said. 8-7
