Following tradition, the Northern Medical Program’s first-year students, the Class of 2020, arrived in Prince George in January and have been settling into school life in the North.

The first few months for a first-year class arriving at the NMP’s UNBC home are especially busy and full of new experiences. These include getting to know their fellow students, meeting program faculty, and learning about local health organizations such as Northern Health and Carrier Sekani Family Services.

Part of the Class of 2020, in January, at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre in Prince George

They also begin local clinical skills sessions with the many NMP preceptors (physicians) in our northern region who share their time and their knowledge with our next generation of doctors. Through this, they have the opportunity to pair their classroom learning with practice in the real world with real patients (many of whom are part of the NMP’s volunteer patient program).

In addition to school activities, the class has been getting a taste of local recreational activities as well.

“Moving to the NMP has been a great experience,” says Peyton Fisher, Year 1 NMP class president. “The transition from Vancouver to Prince George was easy, with the staff and community welcoming us into the ‘Northern family’. My classmates and I have had the chance to cross-country ski, skate at the outdoor oval, hike local trails, and explore the city, meeting a variety of people from the community in the process. Both members of Northern Health and Prince George locals have been extremely supportive and made this busy time of our studies a memorable experience.  

“I look forward to all the other exciting experiences waiting for us on this journey!”

Meet some of our first-year students via a special Q&A spotlight!