NAMP Newsletter - May 2026

Canada’s Northernmost Anatomy Lab Launches in Grande Prairie

On March 20, 2026, the University of Alberta and Northwestern Polytechnic celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art anatomy lab in Grande Prairie - the northernmost facility of its kind in Canada. Designed to expand access to high-quality health education in northern Alberta, the lab features advanced learning tools, including a Virtual Anatomy Table funded by the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation.

The facility will support students in the Northern Alberta Medical Program, which welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2025, as well as learners in nursing, paramedicine and kinesiology programs. The opening included guided tours and remarks from program and institutional leaders, marking a significant milestone in strengthening medical education and training future health-care professionals in the region.

New Tech at NAMP: A Heartfelt Thanks to Tom & Char

We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Char for their generous donation of the Kosmos Bridge ultrasound machine to the Northern Alberta Medical Program.

This Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) system, featuring integrated AI technology, is a total game-changer for our students. With specialized probes for MSK, Vascular, Nerve, Lung, Heart and Bladder imaging, it puts a full diagnostic suite right in their pockets. This gift bridges the gap between the classroom and the bedside. In the rural and remote settings of Northern Alberta, the ability to perform high-level imaging is life-saving. Many physicians, including those in family medicine, rural practice, emergency care, anesthesiology and sports medicine, rely on POCUS daily. Learning to master this technology is an invaluable skill that leads to rapid, accurate, enhanced patient care.

Thank you, Tom and Char, for empowering the next generation of physicians with the tools to provide world-class care, anywhere.

From Cookies to Care: Supporting Ken Sargent House One Smile at a Time

The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation officially launched the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign on Wednesday, April 22 - and the energy was contagious from the very start. Staff and students from the Northern Alberta Medical Program were proud and grateful to be part of such a meaningful initiative, dedicating their time to decorating cookies at the Tim Hortons County Club location. The experience was filled with enthusiasm, teamwork and a shared commitment to supporting the local community.

This year’s campaign is raising funds for the Ken Sargent House — a vital new space that will provide comfort and accommodation for medical patients and their families traveling to Grande Prairie for care. Set to open in late 2026, the house will play an important role in easing the burden for those navigating medical treatment away from home.

From April 27 to May 3, 100 per cent of proceeds from every Smile Cookie sold will go directly toward bringing this incredible project to life.

Being part of this campaign is both an honour and a reminder of the impact a community can make when it comes together for a common cause.

From the North, With Purpose: Student Experiences in NAMP - Class of 2029

NAMP is like a big family! You are known and supported! - David W.

NAMP has been amazing! The smaller class size and community that surrounds it, such as staff, physicians and other health care workers have truly made learning here a joy. I have always felt so supported by this community and program and couldn't imagine doing my schooling anywhere else! - Emma N.

Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program

The Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP) was founded in 1988 by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta to encourage a greater number of First Nations, Inuit and Metis students to gain access to, and graduate from, all faculty of medicine and dentistry programs.

WIHP's mission is to collaborate with Indigenous communities, faculty and staff to advance Indigenous health through the support of innovative opportunities for Indigenous students, researchers and communities within Alberta and throughout the world.

Learn more about the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program

Meet the Team - Wapanachakos Indigenous Health

As an Indigenous Northerner I can appreciate how difficult it can be at times to access proper medical care in a northern rural setting. Being part of the Northern Alberta Medical Program and the Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program means that I can both help to address these issues as well as assist the next generation of rural doctors find their home in the North.

I am grateful for the amazing opportunity to be a part of such an important initiative and look forward to the exciting work we will do together in the future!

Aaron Saville - Indigenous Community Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator

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).

Community Corner

Cozy up for a great cause with the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation Cozy Nights and Campfire Lights Raffle! Win heated Kuma chairs, a fire pit and more. Tickets: $10 or 3 for $25 (deadline May 13, 9 a.m.). Proceeds support Ken Sargent House. Plus, enter the 50/50 for a chance at up to $7,500—draw May 15.

Inspiring Excellence: NAMP Faculty Development Day Brings Educators Together

The Northern Alberta Medical Program hosted a successful Faculty Development Day on March 28, 2026, bringing educators together in person at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital and virtually for a full day of learning and collaboration. The event opened with remarks from Dr. Richard Martin and Dr. Marc Shaw, setting the stage for a program focused on enhancing teaching excellence within the MD curriculum.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions on key topics including assessments, communication, and inclusive language, led by Dr. Vijay Daniels, Dr. Lillian Au and Dr. Avery Wynick. Interactive discussions and hands-on learning opportunities allowed attendees to strengthen practical skills and share insights. NAMP current preceptors Dr. Olubukola Maxwell and Dr. Krista Ingram also shared valuable perspectives from their teaching experiences.

The afternoon focused on building effective feedback skills and exploring broader academic topics, including a session by Dr. Joanne Rodger on optimizing the use of Cally and a discussion on academic integrity led by Lisa Purdy. Overall, the day highlighted NAMP’s ongoing commitment to faculty development, collaboration and excellence in medical education. The event was accredited for 6.5 CFPC credits.

Guiding the Next Generation: Celebrating MeDMAP Mentors and LCE Preceptors

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.

The Northern Alberta Medical Program extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated MeDMAP mentors and LCE preceptors of 2025–2026. With contributions from communities including Grande Prairie, Spirit River, High Prairie, Hinton, Peace River, Athabasca, Beaverlodge, Hythe, Calling Lake and Whitecourt, these committed educators are instrumental in shaping the next generation of skilled and compassionate physicians.

Interested in becoming a MeDMAP mentor or LCE preceptor? For more information visit here.

NAMP Research Talk Series Highlights REDCap in Medical Research

On April 10, 2026, the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) hosted the third session in its Research Talk Series, “Using REDCap in Medical Research: A Practical Overview.” The session was delivered by Rick Watts, Team Lead for the Women & Children’s Health Research Institute Data Coordinating Centre and Health Research Data Strategist for the College of Health Sciences.

Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in clinical research and information technology, Rick provided a practical and accessible overview of REDCap and its role in supporting effective data management. Attendees gained valuable insights into how this widely used platform can enhance research workflows and support collaboration across institutions.

Thank you to everyone who attended, both in person and virtually and to Rick for sharing his expertise.

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!

Teaching Opportunities:

Lecturer - Deliver live or virtual lectures to pre-clerkship medical students from Grande Prairie or anywhere!

Small Group Learning Facilitator - Lead small groups, fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding of foundational medical concepts

Clinical Skills Instructor - Teach essential hands-on and communication skills in clinical and simulated settings

Physician Mentorship - Guide and advise students on their career and education journey

OSCE Examiner - Assess students’ clinical skills in standardized exams

Why get Involved?

Gain University of Alberta Formal Affiliation with access to faculty development and U of A resources

Shape Future Physicians - Make a direct and lasting impact

Get Comprehensive Support - Onboarding, training, administration, and tech help provided

Grow and Be Recognized - Receive feedback and recognition

Support Rural Health - Help train much-needed rural physicians

Enjoy Rewarding Mentorship - Find satisfaction in guiding future doctors

Get Compensated - $125/hour for direct clinical instruction

Sign up Here

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.

What is the Patient Immersion Experience? PIE is a unique educational bridge that moves beyond textbooks and clinics. We match a pair of medical students with a local Patient Mentor - someone living with a chronic illness or disability - to learn about the real-world realities of navigating the healthcare system in Northern Alberta.

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:

Three informal visits over the 2026-2027 academic year. Orientation and meet + greet occurs September 2026.

Students will guide the meetings with questions focused on your medical journey, challenges and successes.
Mentors must live within 40 km of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.
We are seeking individuals who are comfortable sharing their lived experiences.

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.

NAMP extends a warm thank you to all who express interest. While we value every volunteer, participation is based on student matching and program capacity for the upcoming term.

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.

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!

Sign up to Teach in the MD Program