A total of 18 northern BC communities have committed to support the development of the Northern Medical Program, by making community pledges to support future students. The communities are aiming to raise the equivalent of $1 per family per week for a year ($52 per family). All of the money raised will support the recruitment, training, and retention of students interested in the health practice in the North.

Tumbler Ridge has been the first community to realize its full pledge. The community has contributed $65,000 to the Northern Medical Programs Trust. The funds in the NMPT will be managed by the northern BC communities that participate in the fundraising program and support annual scholarships and bursaries for students.

"Council committed to this program because this community - like so many others around northern BC - has experienced the challenges of recruiting doctors," says Mayor Clay Iles. "Educating doctors in the North will provide them with exposure to what it's really like to live and practice in communities such as ours and hopefully encourage them to stay after graduation. This contribution may end up being a small price to pay for having greater access to physicians in the future."

Tumbler Ridge is one of 18 communities to recognize the importance of the Northern Medical Program in aiming to provide greater physician supply in northern and rural areas. Others that are participating are Burns Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St James, Fraser Lake, Hazelton, Houston, Hudson's Hope, Masset, McBride, Quesnel, Prince George, Smithers, Taylor, Terrace, Valemount, Vanderhoof, and Wells - several other councils are considering support. Residents of the different communities can already contribute to the Northern Medical Program by contacting the University (1-866-960-5750).

The Northern Medical Program is a partnership with the UBC Medical School that will recognize the distinct aspects of medical practice in northern and rural communities. It will accept its first 24 students in 2004. Although much of their coursework will be completed in Vancouver and Prince George, students will also have the opportunity to gain practical skills with existing doctors in communities all over northern BC. This key component of the program will provide exposure to the lifestyle and experience of northern practice.