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NAMP News
Updates from the Northern Alberta Medical Program
Preparing Tomorrow's Physicians In...
Growing Together: Welcoming the Class of 2030
As we approach August 24, 2026, the entire Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) team in Grande Prairie is brimming with excitement to welcome our incoming cohort of students. This fall marks a significant milestone for us as we officially enter our second year and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the Class of 2029 and Class of 2030 come together. It will be inspiring to watch them connect, learn and support one another as they navigate the complexities and rewards of their medical training.
We are also delighted to welcome our new clerkship students - three third-year and two fourth-year learners - into our expanding community. We look forward to involving them in our activities and watching them connect and grow alongside our NAMP learners.
While I am immensely proud of the accomplishments from our inaugural year, none of this progress would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our incredible teachers and the tireless hard work of our administrative and academic staff. Thank you all for your extraordinary efforts in ensuring such successful and enriching educational experiences for our students.
As we build upon the lessons learned during our first year, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. I cannot wait to see how our collective grows, evolves and continues to make a meaningful impact in the coming months.
Holly Handfield, Manager - Northern Alberta Medical Program
NAMP Connects with the Community at the 7 Over 70 Awards of Distinction
NAMP students and staff were proud to attend this year's Northwestern Alberta Foundation 7 Over 70 Awards of Distinction Celebration, an annual event recognizing seven exceptional individuals, aged 70 and older, whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact across Northwestern Alberta.
Thanks to the generosity of community donors, a table was donated to NAMP, providing an opportunity for students to attend the celebration, connect with community members and recognize local leaders whose contributions continue to inspire future generations. Three NAMP students, a fourth-year medical student and their partner, along with NAMP staff members, were pleased to represent the program at this meaningful community event.
Photos courtesy of Don't Be Chy Photography
Teach Future Physicians Through Case Based Learning
The purpose of Case Based Learning is to reinforce teaching points from lectures and allow students to apply their knowledge in a clinical context.
The CBL sessions have been highly valued by the students as an excellent opportunity to see the direct clinical relevance of their classroom learning. For some students, the sessions have sparked an interest in further GI electives.
Additional information is available here.
If you are interested in teaching, please email Erin Harris, Year 2 Curriculum Administrator: nampyr2@ualberta.ca
Meet Ehab| Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) Student
Join Us This Fall for NAMP Faculty Development
Join us this fall at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital for the Northern Alberta Medical Program's Faculty Development event. Taking place October 23-24, this expanded day-and-a-half, in-person gathering will bring together physician and non-physician educators from across the region for learning, collaboration, and connection.
Participants will explore practical topics such as teaching in busy clinical settings, providing effective feedback, academic integrity, and curriculum mapping. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration details—we look forward to learning together!
Meet the Team
I am proud to call Grande Prairie home and feel grateful for the opportunities this community has given me, both personally and professionally. Throughout my career in municipal and provincial government, I have enjoyed working with incredible people, supporting meaningful initiatives and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, I value spending time with family and friends, volunteering, travelling and enjoying the outdoors.
Being part of the Northern Alberta Medical Program is especially meaningful because it represents an investment in the future of our region. Seeing the University of Alberta establish a medical program in Grande Prairie creates new opportunities for students, strengthens healthcare in northern Alberta and reinforces the importance of our community. I am proud to be part of a team that supports the growth and success of this remarkable program.
Cindy Cuthbert, Clerkship Administrator
Building the Future of Northern Medicine Together
MeDMAP mentors and LCE preceptors play a vital role in supporting medical students throughout their training, providing guidance, clinical insight, and practical, hands-on learning experiences. Through interactive teaching, case-based discussions and real-world clinical supervision, they help learners translate knowledge into practice while building confidence and essential professional skills. Beyond teaching, they offer valuable mentorship and career advice, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Interested in becoming a MeDMAP mentor or LCE preceptor? For more information visit here.
Shape the Future of Medicine—Teach with Us!
Join the University of Alberta’s MD Program and inspire the next generation of physicians. Share your expertise, shape future healthcare leaders, and make a lasting impact on healthcare in Alberta.
The Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) is recruiting clinical teachers with a passion for Rural and Regional Generalist practice. Be part of this exciting new chapter — our second first cohort of 30 students arrives in Fall 2026!
Building Compassion in the North: Join the Patient Immersion Experience
As the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) enters its second year in Grande Prairie, we are excited to expand the Patient Immersion Experience (PIE). After a successful inaugural year, we are again looking for community members to help our next cohort of medical students understand the person behind the patient.
Why Your Voice Matters: Our students are developing their clinical knowledge, but the most important lessons come from you. By sharing your story, you help future doctors develop the empathy, communication skills and local perspective required to provide exceptional care in our region.
Program details can be found here.
Shape the Future of Northern Medicine Help us ensure that the next generation of physicians understands the community they serve. To learn more or express your interest, please visit here.
Questions? Reach out to us at NAMPcse@ualberta.ca.
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.
NAMP Opportunities
The Northern Alberta Medical Program has a number of exciting opportunities for faculty, administrative support staff and preceptors!
Questions?
We would love to hear from you!
Contact the NAMP team at: NAMPInformation@ualberta.ca
