Kim Phuc, who poignantly illustrated the horrors of the Vietnam War as a child when she was depicted running from a napalm explosion in one of the era’s most iconic photos, will headline the 12th Annual Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner on April 2, 2016.

The annual event honours Dr. Bob Ewert, the first medical specialist in Prince George, and is the largest annual fundraiser for the Northern Medical Programs Trust (NMPT). The Trust provides financial support for students at UNBC so that they gain experiences in the north that encourage their pursuit of careers in rural health care.  Students in the Northern Medical Program and the Family Nurse Practitioner program are recipients of support. Because of its success, the NMPT now also helps students in the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program.

Ms. Phuc’s story is part of a book - The Girl in the Picture: The Story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War - authored by Prince George born journalist Denise Chong.  Ms. Chong received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2001.

”Kim Phuc is truly an inspirational figure who has overcome great tragedy and adversity, yet remains steadfast in giving back to community and sharing her experiences in order to help others,” said Dr. David Nelson, president of the Northern Medical Society. “Her heartrending place in history and riveting personal story will provide a powerful keynote address at our next Ewert Dinner.”

The Ewert lecture is the largest annual appeal for the Northern Medical Programs Trust at UNBC. To date, the Trust has provided more than 450 grants to help more than 250 students integrate unique northern clinical experiences with their health-care education.

“Thanks to the Trust, I and a fellow student had a very informative shadowing opportunity in Vanderhoof, helping us get to know what practicing and living there might be like,” said Gisele Adam, a second-year Northern Medical Program student.

“With our partners through the Trust, we are helping to develop future health-care leaders in the North,” said UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “The Ewert Lecture is an important event to celebrate and advance health care through education in northern BC.”

The Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner is presented by the Northern Medical Society, UNBC, the Prince George Community Foundation, and Northern Health. Sponsors confirmed for the event already include RBC and CN. This year’s event will be held on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the Prince George Civic Centre. Tickets cost $125 each or $1,200 for a table of 10, and are available from the Office of Development at UNBC online at www.unbc.ca/giving.  Contact the UNBC Development Office for more information at 250-960-5750 or giving@unbc.ca.

Kim Phuc  Download image

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