First Patient Program

Two medical students and a First Patient Program volunteer sit together at a table, as one students reviews a questionnaire.


What is The First Patient Program? 

The First Patient Program (FPP) gives first-year medical students a long-term understanding of how a chronic condition affects patients over time, including their social, mental, and emotional well-being.  In addition, the program demonstrates how a patient’s well-being and physical health are impacted by the presence or absence of a supportive family physician or an ongoing care provider. 

This program pairs two students with a volunteer patient over the course of a year and provides valuable insight into what it is like to live with a chronic condition and navigate the health care system from the perspective of the patient. 

Who can be a First Patient? 

To participate, you must be over the age of 19, and have been diagnosed with a stable but chronic condition, such as:

  • Renal failure receiving dialysis treatments
  • Cancer receiving ongoing treatment such as chemotherapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s or Colitis receiving ongoing IV therapy treatments
  • Any Autoimmune Disorder receiving ongoing IV therapy treatments

Candidates will complete a screening process to ensure they’re eligible for the program.

What can a First Patient Volunteer expect? 

You will be assigned to work with two NMP first year students. The students will meet with you to review your medical history to learn more about your condition(s), and they will accompany you to a medical appointment to better understand your experiences with the healthcare system.

The program will run from January to November, with some time off during the summer. You will meet with your assigned students a minimum of four times over this eleven-month period. These meetings include an initial visit that takes place at the University of Northern BC, one medical or community health appointment, and two other appointments that involve a check in and one to reflect and provide closure of your participation.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for this program, please contact us:

Contact:
nmp.patientprogram@unbc.ca

OR via phone:
Katherine Dewijn, Patient Program Supervisor, 250-565-5814