North of 60: Medical Students Experience Rural Medicine in Whitehorse

From February 10-14, I had the unique opportunity to join the medical student North of 60 Club on their first ever trip to Whitehorse! 

We were warmly hosted by Dr. Julie Warren (medical education leader for the Whitehorse Physicians), Carly (physician recruitment coordinator), Natasha (Territorial Government of Yukon development) and numerous others. 

For students, they experienced the opportunity to shadow local physicians during their important work, forming a tremendous opportunity to see true generalist physicians managing broad and complex patient care in a remote environment. We all, collectively, gained valuable cultural grounding and understanding of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and other Indigenous Nations spread across the Yukon Territory, through the Indigenous healing and cultural guides embedded within the Whitehorse General Hospital and essential in the healing journeys of Indigenous patients and families. Being welcomed into their sacred healing space provided a unique moment of learning and guidance. 

Social events were also on the menu, including a casual evening with local leaders and physicians, kicksledding, a Nordic Hot Springs evening and a 5 km snowshoe trek for an afternoon of camaraderie at the lake cabin of the first ever U of A Family Medicine Resident stationed in Whitehorse. 

As I have said before, these are truly formative moments for students. Gaining first hand exposure to broad generalists working incredibly hard in remote environments to so ably support their communities allows students to appreciate these careers and lifestyles in ways they can not simply read about or hear second hand. It helps lay a clearer roadmap in their minds, even imagining themselves as  part of these communities in the future. 

One more step in living up to our shared U of A commitment to meet the vital health needs across the North. 

Richard Martin - Assistant Dean, Northern Alberta Medical Program

More Than Just a Ride

We extend our sincere thanks to Visa Rentals and Leasing for their ongoing generosity in supporting our students. Through their valuable gift-in-kind of rental vehicle usage, they are helping ensure that transportation is never a barrier to learning. This support enables our medical cohorts to travel to rural communities and participate in essential off-site educational experiences that are fundamental to their training.

More than simply providing vehicles, this partnership empowers our students with the freedom to fully engage in hands-on, community-based learning. In a program where clinical exposure and cohort activities often take place across diverse and remote locations, reliable transportation is critical. Visa Rentals and Leasing is playing a direct role in reducing geographical barriers and helping our future healthcare professionals reach the communities that need them most. We are truly grateful for their continued commitment to student success.

Taking Flight in Rural Medicine: NAMP Students Explore Critical Care with STARS

On March 10, 2026, students from the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) visited the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) base in Grande Prairie for an engaging talk and behind-the-scenes tour. Dr. Ping Chen, GP Medical Director and Brent MacDonald, Paramedic and Outreach Educator, introduced students to critical care and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, highlighting the vital role STARS plays in rural and remote medicine.

The session explored what it means to work as a STARS transport physician, particularly in Grande Prairie, and how physicians can combine roles in family or emergency medicine with providing life-saving care to critically ill patients during air transport. Students also toured the STARS base, including the helicopter and simulation lab, gaining a closer look at the equipment and training involved in emergency response.

STARS will also be supporting NAMP students later this month by helping facilitate the Respirology Diagnosis & Therapeutics session.

From Let’s Go Rural! to Medical School: One Student’s Journey

What began as a last-minute decision to attend a Let’s Go Rural! high school event changed the course of Sundre resident Davina Choi’s future. Once planning to become a teacher, a single day exploring hands-on medical skills and meeting local healthcare professionals sparked a passion that ultimately led her to medical school with the Northern Alberta Medical Program in Grande Prairie.

Choi’s story highlights the lasting impact of early career exposure and the powerful role rural communities play in inspiring future physicians. Read more about how one experience helped shape her path to rural medicine.

Pathways to Practice: Health Care Fair Sparks Rural Career Connections

The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Auditorium was alive with energy on March 19 as students from the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) and Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) gathered for the Health Care Student and Community Fair. This dynamic event connected future healthcare professionals with the people, organizations and opportunities shaping rural medicine.

Bringing together a wide range of healthcare vendors, community attraction and retention committees, recruiters and funding organizations, the fair offered students a valuable chance to explore career pathways, build meaningful connections and discover supports to help launch their careers. By bridging classroom learning with real-world opportunities, the event highlighted the vibrant communities ready to welcome the next generation of healthcare professionals — and inspired students to see their future in rural practice.

Community & Collaboration: NAMP Students Thrive in Edson

NAMP students recently spent an inspiring day in Edson, exploring rural healthcare, connecting with the community and engaging with local youth. The experience highlighted the strength of collaboration and mentorship in shaping future physicians.

A heartfelt thank you to clinical mentors Dr. Oishi and Dr. Julie Saby (MD, CCFP), Medical Resident Michael and dedicated hospital staff for their guidance and support. Appreciation also goes to Sanaya Saken and the Edson Attraction and Retention Team for creating a meaningful and engaging visit.

As an Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC) site, Edson offers students a unique, hands-on learning experience—following patients through their care journey, gaining exposure across multiple specialties and becoming part of the community they serve.

Experiences like this continue to prepare NAMP students with the skills, confidence, and connection needed to become the next generation of physicians.

Navigating the Research Ethics Process in Medical Research

On February 27, the Northern Alberta Medical Program hosted a session in its Research Talk Series titled “Navigating the Research Ethics Process in Medical Research.” The presentation was led by Charmaine Kabatoff, Manager of Research Ethics at the University of Alberta and President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards.

Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience in research ethics administration, Kabatoff shared practical guidance on navigating the ethics review process and emphasized the importance of ethical and inclusive practices in health research. The hybrid session welcomed students, physicians and healthcare providers who attended both in person at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital and virtually. 

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! 

Leadership Positions

Administrative Positions

Teaching Opportunities