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PRINCE
GEORGE – A pilot project
that aims to increase health-care students’ understanding of Aboriginal health
issues will place four teams of students in First Nations communities for
practical experience this summer.
The
hands-on learning will take place in partnership with the Cowichan Band near
Duncan and the Mt. Currie Band near Pemberton. The project is one of 32 funded
by the Practice Education Innovation Fund, which has just been doubled to $6
million, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell and Health Minister George
Abbott announced today.
“We’re educating more doctors, nurses and other
health professionals than ever before in British Columbia, and hands-on
training is essential in preparing them to care for patients,” Coell said today. “This project with the Cowichan
and Mt. Currie bands recognizes Aboriginal communities as partners in health
education, and offers students from a variety of health professions a unique,
in-depth learning experience in a real-life setting.”
Up
to 10 student doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dentists and rehab
therapists are expected to take part in the course, which will help them
understand Aboriginal perspectives on health and well-being, identify the
factors that influence health in their communities, and encourage
interprofessional teamwork.
“These
programs help to create awareness and understanding of cultural differences,
and how those differences can affect the delivery of health care,” Abbott said.
“It is important that our next generation of health-care workers are able to
take advantage of these opportunities to work with First Nations leaders and
their communities.”
The
students will work with health professionals, contribute to community-based
projects, and take part in cultural events during their four-week immersion.
The project was awarded $148,400 under the Practice
Education Innovation Fund, which is administered by the B.C. Academic Health Council, consisting of
representatives from government, post-secondary institutions and health
authorities.
“Building
bridges into communities and cultures is the goal of a new initiative for
health-care student placements,” George Eisler, CEO of the B.C. Academic Health
Council, said at the council’s three-day Aboriginal Health Provider Education
Summit in Prince George. “Through the Practice Education Innovation Fund
supported by the ministries of Advanced Education and Health, students in a
number of health-care disciplines will be able to work closely with each other
and with community members of two First Nations.”
Other projects from the first $3 million include a virtual operating room for student nurses, maternity care simulations, electronic orientation for students beginning their practice placements, and a variety of projects to create more placements and enhance the quality of the student’s experience.
Since 2001-02, the Province has created 20 new
nursing programs and funded thousands of new spaces for student nurses. Under
the medical education expansion program, now in its second year, the number of
student doctors graduating with MDs will almost double starting in 2008. As
well, student spaces have been increased in allied health programs including
radiography, sonography, medical laboratory technology, occupational therapy
and physiotherapy.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Advanced Education 250 952-6508 250 213-1171 (cell) |
Communication Director Ministry of Health 250 952-1889 |
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