NAMP Newsletter - July 2026

The journey resumes in...

Countdown to the first day of classes for NAMP year 1 & year 2 students

Rural Voices, Rural Healthcare: A Storytelling Project

Justin Ma-Phan, a medical student in the Northern Alberta Medical Program, was recently accepted into the University of Alberta’s MD with Special Training in Research (MD/STIR) Program. His research has also received support through the Mach-Gaensslen Summer Studentship and the 2026 Health Professions Education Summer Studentship Grant. The project is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Pamela Brett-MacLean.

Having grown up in the small town of Innisfail, Justin has always valued the relationships and sense of community that can exist in rural places. His previous work as an educational assistant taught him that meaningful work begins with connection. Stories are one way that connection can be built, helping people feel heard, recognize shared experiences and better understand perspectives different from their own. This lesson helped shape Justin’s interest in how storytelling could foster empathy and bring greater attention to rural healthcare experiences.

Through his project, Rural Voices, Rural Healthcare, Justin is inviting rural community members, healthcare professionals and healthcare learners to share their experiences of rural healthcare. The stories collected through the project will be brought together into a themed YouTube video series exploring the realities of accessing, receiving, providing and learning healthcare in rural communities.

Stories may focus on challenges, positive experiences, unmet needs, strengths within rural healthcare or hopes for how care could improve. By sharing these perspectives more widely, the project hopes to encourage empathy, reflection and constructive conversations about rural healthcare.

Because speaking openly about healthcare experiences can be difficult—particularly in smaller communities where people may worry about being recognized—the project offers several ways to participate. Individuals may help develop the storytelling prompts through a focus group, submit a written, audio or video story online or schedule an opportunity to share and record their story in person. Participants may choose to remain anonymous, submit an audio-only recording, be filmed from behind or appear on camera.

People can also participate as Read & Reflect volunteers by reading an anonymously submitted written story and recording a short personal reflection on what the story made them think or feel. These readings and reflections may also be included in the YouTube series.

Your experience matters. Whether your story reflects a challenge, a moment of meaningful care, an unmet need or a hope for the future of rural healthcare, you are invited to share it.

To learn more or participate, visit ruralvoices4health.ca or contact ruralvoices4health@ualberta.ca.

This study has received ethics approval through the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board: REB ID Pro00162625.

Teach with us! 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 Luke | Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) Student

Mark your calendars: NAMP faculty development event returns this fall

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!

Event details here

Meet the Team

Bonnyville has been our home for the last 13 years and my husband, myself and our 2 kids have been embraced and supported by the community since moving here from South Africa.

I am a general practitioner with a special love for the OR and women’s health. In my free time I like to read and garden!

I am lucky to work in a rural center that delivers excellent wide-spectrum care, and to have colleagues who I also call friends.

It is very exciting to be part of the journey of my future colleagues and I look forward to showing them the same kind support that I have been blessed with so far in my career.

Anna Britz, Y1 Academic Coordinator

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.

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.

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.