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NAMP News
Updates from the Northern Alberta Medical Program
University of Alberta - Division of Anatomy: Advancing Education and Innovation
Anatomy is a foundational science for medicine and dentistry, essential to safe and effective clinical practice. The University of Alberta’s Division of Anatomy plays a central role in delivering comprehensive anatomical education to students across the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, including medical, dental, allied health, undergraduate and postgraduate learners. The division also provides applied and clinical anatomy instruction to residents and fellows in a range of medical and surgical specialties.
Beyond the Faculty, the division supports programs in rehabilitation medicine, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, speech pathology, dental hygiene, fine arts, and more—extending its expertise to community colleges and health-related organizations.
With established strengths in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, clinical and surgical anatomy, embryology and histology, the division is recognized for both teaching excellence and innovation. Instruction is delivered through interactive lectures, dissection laboratories, case-based learning, tutorials and seminars. The division also administers the Anatomical Gifts Program, ensuring donated bodies are treated with the highest level of dignity and respect in support of medical education.
In addition to its strong teaching mandate, the division contributes to impactful scientific and educational research, including work in diagnostic imaging, fetal alcohol syndrome, evolutionary anatomy and the development of interactive multimedia and e-learning tools that enhance anatomy education.
Making a Lasting Contribution: University of Alberta Anatomical Gifts Program
Individuals who choose to bequeath their bodies for anatomical study make a profound and lasting contribution to the advancement of medical science. Through the University of Alberta’s Anatomical Gifts Program, donations directly support the education of medical, dental and allied health professional students.
Anatomical gifts are essential to teaching human anatomy, helping students understand the complex relationships within the body that underpin the diagnosis, progression and treatment of disease. This hands-on learning experience is foundational to preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.
Within the medical community, anatomical donations are regarded as extraordinary and generous gifts. Donors and their families can be assured that each contribution is treated with the utmost dignity and respect and is deeply appreciated by both students and faculty.
To learn more about the Anatomical Gifts Program, please contact Jason Papirny, Program Manager, at jpapirny@ualberta.ca, or complete the anatomical gifts donor registration form.
Meet the Team - Anatomy
Anatomy continues to inspire me, as it forms the foundation of medicine. I am proud to be part of the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) as the primary Gross Anatomy Laboratory Technician, where I oversee daily lab operations, support medical student learning and manage cadaver preparation and specimen development through the Anatomical Gifts Program.
Outside of work, I enjoy snowboarding, golfing, camping and fishing, cheering on the Edmonton Oilers, watching Formula 1 and exploring wildlife and aviation photography.
Victor Han, Gross Anatomy Laboratory Technician
I am a new Assistant Professor in the Division of Anatomy and am excited to join the team at NAMP leading anatomy education. This is my dream job!
My research program and outreach work contribute to the goals of the Northern Alberta Medical Program focusing on optimizing anatomy education for medical trainees through evidence-based pedagogy, educational technology and approaches that promote equitable learning experiences across distributed sites. I have a strong commitment to supporting rural and underserved healthcare and to outreach initiatives that inform and inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare.
When I am not in the lab or lecture hall, I am coaching youth wrestling, running with my dog Ruby or knitting.
Liisa Wainman, Assistant Professor
The Northern Alberta Medical Program is also supported by team members from the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP), Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing (OAW) and The Office of Rural & Regional Health (ORRH).
Connecting for Northern Growth: NAMP at Growing the North
The Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) was pleased to participate in the Growing the North Conference, held February 17–19, 2026 in Grande Prairie. As Northern Alberta’s largest economic development conference, the event brings together municipal leaders, industry partners, entrepreneurs and community organizations to explore opportunities that support regional growth and innovation.
Throughout the conference, NAMP representatives engaged in presentations, discussions and networking opportunities that highlighted the strong connection between medical education, workforce development and sustainable community growth. Participation in events like Growing the North strengthens partnerships with regional stakeholders while promoting opportunities for medical training and healthcare advancement across Northern Alberta.
Guided by the themes of Explore, Connect, Collaborate, Innovate and Achieve, the conference reinforced a shared commitment to building resilient northern communities. NAMP’s attendance reflects its ongoing dedication to community engagement and collaboration in support of improved medical education and healthcare access throughout the region.
Faculty Development Event
The Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is pleased to host its Faculty Development Day on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.
This full-day professional development event will bring together local and regional physician and non-physician educators to enhance small-group and community-based teaching. Sessions will explore essential topics such as delivering effective feedback, assessment in clinical education and practical teaching strategies relevant to all undergraduate MD program preceptors.
Breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks will be provided.
Registration is now open. Deadline to register is March 13, 2026.
Questions? namptssr@ualberta.ca
Rural Students Explore Healthcare Pathways at Let’s Go Rural with RhPAP
Students from Sexsmith and Beaverlodge explored hands-on healthcare careers at the Let’s Go Rural! event hosted by the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) at Northwestern Polytechnic.
Through interactive skills stations, students gained firsthand experience and learned about a variety of healthcare pathways available in rural communities.
Faculty and medical students from the Northern Alberta Medical Program were thrilled to support RhPAP in facilitating the event, helping inspire the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.
Are you conducting research and interested in hosting a student for shadowing? Clinics or physicians involved in research who would like to offer student shadowing opportunities are welcome to email us at namptssr@ualberta.ca to discuss possibilities.
Inspire the next generation of physicians by teaching in the University of Alberta’s MD Program, an innovative medical school dedicated to training diverse, competent and compassionate physician leaders to serve the health needs of all Albertans. Share your expertise, shape future healthcare leaders, and make a lasting impact where it’s needed most!
NAMP Opportunities
The Northern Alberta Medical Program has a number of exciting opportunities for faculty, administrative support staff and preceptors!
Community Partners Corner
Nominations are now open for the Northwestern Alberta Foundation’s 7 Over 70 Awards of Distinction, celebrating seven outstanding individuals aged 70+ who have made a lasting impact across Northwestern Alberta. Know a senior whose story deserves recognition? Submit a nomination by March 15, 2026.
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation is seeking a full-time Director of Finance to join its dedicated, community-focused team. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports and enhances healthcare in our region while working in a culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and collaboration.
Questions?
We would love to hear from you!
Contact the NAMP team at: NAMPInformation@ualberta.ca
