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NAMP News
Updates from the Northern Alberta Medical Program
Broad Skills, Big Impact: Understanding Rural and Regional Generalism
Rural and regional generalism represent a continuum of broad-scope healthcare practice designed to meet the needs of communities outside major urban centres. While closely connected, each reflects a distinct practise context shaped by community size, available resources and patient need.
Rural generalism is rooted in small and often remote communities where most care is provided by Family Physicians and other specialist services are limited. Rural generalists provide comprehensive care across primary care, hospital medicine, emergency services, obstetrics, long-term care and selected secondary care procedures. In 2026, rural generalism has become an established specialty framework with structured training, professional recognition and workforce planning — enabling clinicians to practise with a high degree of independence and versatility while advancing equitable access to care in underserved areas.
Regional generalism operates in larger regional centres that serve as hubs for surrounding rural communities. Regional generalists also practise broadly, often far more so than their metropolitan counterparts, but with the benefit of greater resources and interdisciplinary teams as compared to rural centres. They bridge primary, secondary and hospital-based care, manage more complex patients and support surrounding smaller sites — often reducing the need for patients to travel to major cities. In 2026, regional generalism reflects adaptable, community-responsive practise and an essential middle ground between the highly specialized care in major centres and the wide scope required in rural settings.
Together, rural and regional generalism form an integrated model of generalist care that strengthens access, continuity, and quality of healthcare for people living outside major urban centres. All with the aim of keeping patients and families closer to their communities and their vital support systems.
OR Ready: Preparing NAMP Students for Surgical Settings
On the evening of January 8, students took part in a comprehensive three-hour Operating Room (OR) Orientation, expertly prepared and facilitated by Veronica Exshaw and Atara Hustler, Clinical Nurse Educators with Alberta Health Services. The session was further enriched by the support of additional OR staff, who guided learners throughout the evening.
Through hands-on instruction, students were introduced to essential OR fundamentals, including proper scrubbing and gowning techniques, maintaining the sterile field, understanding sterile zones and navigating general OR etiquette.
This immersive experience provided learners with a strong foundation for entering the operating room with confidence, equipping them to participate safely, respectfully, and effectively in this highly specialized clinical environment.
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
Join us: Navigating the Research Ethics Process in Medical Research
Join us on February 27 (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.) for the second NAMP Research Speed Dating event, featuring Charmaine Kabatoff, President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards (CAREB). Charmaine is the Manager of Research Ethics at the University of Alberta and brings nearly 25 years of experience in research ethics administration. She will present “Navigating the Research Ethics Process in Medical Research,” sharing practical insights to support inclusive and ethically sound health research.
This hybrid event will take place in person (HEC 301, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital) and via Zoom.
Questions? namptssr@ualberta.ca
Meet the Team - Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing
The OAW is dedicated to supporting all learners in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry to thrive in their programs. The office’s accessible and responsive resources exist to promote individual and professional growth and wellbeing, as important aspects of medical education.
I am pleased to provide a confidential safe space for our NAMP learners. My 27 year career at GPRC/NWP involved a variety of roles that prepared me well for this position at the U of A. Our mission is for all students to meet their best academic and personal potential.
Born and raised here, my roots remain deep in the County of GP. Our quiet family acreage with a massive vegetable garden, perennial flower beds and a variety of fruit trees is our sanctuary. We savour the summer of fresh organic produce and winter of homemade preserves. Music is my passion, while nature, animals, photography and art fill my leisure time.
Paula Backer, Administrative Assistant, OAW Grande Prairie
I came to Canada over twenty years ago. After completing a fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at U of A, I enrolled in the Grande Prairie Family Medicine Residency Program and have been working as a rural family doctor serving the communities of Beaverlodge and Hythe for over ten years. My interests include women’s health, chronic disease management and strengthening access to high-quality care for rural remote communities.
I am delighted to join the NAMP team and bring my contribution in growing and shaping young physicians — so much needed in the rural areas. When I am not on clinical duties, I love spending time outdoors with my family and our vocal Alaskan malamute.
Florentina Duda, MD Director NAMP Student Affairs, OAW Grande Prairie
The OAW Edmonton MD advisors are happy to meet with NAMP students too. Click below to see the whole team.
To book an appointment with any OAW advisor, email oawnamp@ualberta.ca
RhPAP: Connected to Rural
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) supports students and health professionals in pursuing careers in rural Alberta. Through programs like “Let’s Go Rural!” events, summer studentships, mentorships and community placements, RhPAP connects learners with rural physicians and healthcare teams, helping build experience, awareness and long-term interest in rural and regional practice.
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!
Questions?
We would love to hear from you!
Contact the NAMP team at: NAMPInformation@ualberta.ca
