Funding from the provincial government and Doctors of BC will support Selkirk College to launch a new 3-year pre-med program intended to provide more educational opportunities for rural and Aboriginal students interested in practising medicine in a rural setting. The curriculum, developed in consultation with experts in rural medical education, weaves together courses tailored to practising rural medicine, such as small business management, with courses recommended for the Medical College Admissions Test and admission to medical school. The program will also provide opportunities for community placements and participation in rural health research projects, and students will receive training aimed at developing mediation, self-awareness, resiliency, team building, and leadership skills to support them throughout their careers.

Starting in September 2014, admission will be offered to 24 students annually. For further information and to apply to the program, visit http://selkirk.ca/program/rural-pre-medicine/application-information [8]. Application documents must be received by 30 June 2014.

Funding for the program is provided through the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC. The committee develops programs that strengthen rural health care and encourage physicians to live and practise in rural and remote areas of the province.