Two local physicians have been appointed to interim positions at UNBC, bringing intimate knowledge of medical education and northern practice to the development of the Northern Medical Program.

Dr George Deagle has been appointed to an interim position at UNBC and UBC: Associate Vice-President of Medicine (UNBC) and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (UBC). Dr Deagle has been a medical instructor for nearly 20 years at both the University of Western Ontario and UBC and is the coordinator of the Northern Rural Health Program for UBC's Family Practice Residency Program. He has also been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Northern Medical Program. Dr Deagle has worked as a physician in Masset, Kelowna, London (Ontario), and Prince George.

Dr David Rutledge completed the Family Practice Residency program in Prince George after attending the University of Western Ontario. He has worked as a family physician in Prince George since 1997 and has also taught in the local residency program. He has been appointed as Interim Clinical Coordinator for the Northern Medical Program and will lay the groundwork for NMP students to gain practical experience in northern and rural hospitals and health clinics.

"Drs Deagle and Rutledge are bringing valuable experience and expertise to UNBC," says UNBC President Dr Charles Jago. "Dr Deagle has served for many years as a medical educator and a northern BC physician. Dr Rutledge has been a student in the Prince George Family Practice Residency program and is a local physician. Together, they are bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge to help shape the Northern Medical Program."

The Northern Medical Program is a partnership between UBC and UNBC to expand physician training in northern BC. Students will complete the first semester of their studies at UBC before having the opportunity to complete the remainder of their training in Prince George and northern/rural communities. The NMP will accept its first students in 2004.