Prince George, B.C. – The provincial government has taken a step it hopes attracts more doctors to rural BC.

The Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC have done so by introducing a new shared $100,000 financial award for medical students who demonstrate an interest in working in rural areas of the province.

This new scholarship fund reflects government’s focus on supporting health care in rural communities,” says Health Minister Terry Lake.

20 UBC students have already been granted the first set of BC Rural Interest Awards – which go to students from either rural communities or those students who have demonstrated an interest in setting ship outside big cities once their studies are complete.

The BC Rural Interest Award will be given to:

Up to seven third year students who have completed the Rural Family Practice Clerkship or the Integrated Community Clerkship
Up to seven fourth year students who have completed a four-week rural elective
The remaining awards are granted to first year students upon admittance to UBC Medical School.

“We know that students who train in rural communities are more likely to consider practicing rural medicine,” says Dr. Bill Cavers, president of Doctors of BC. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to working collaboratively and improving patients’ access to care in rural communities.”