Prince George, B.C. – The keynote speaker for the annual Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner has been announced. While she may not be a household name, her image was a statement on the Vietnam war.She is Kim Phuc, the young girl shown running from a napalm explosion during the Vietnam war.

”Kim Phuc is truly an inspirational figure who has overcome great tragedy and adversity, yet remains steadfast in giving back to community and sharing her experiences in order to help others,” said Dr. David Nelson, president of the Northern Medical Society. “Her heartrending place in history and riveting personal story will provide a powerful keynote address at our next Ewert Dinner.”

Her story is part of a book written by Prince George born journalist Denise Chong.

The Memorial Dinner and Lecture, honours Dr. Bob Ewert, the first medical specialist in Prince George. It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Northern Medical Programs Trust (NMPT). which provides financial support for students at UNBC so that they gain experiences in the north that encourage their pursuit of careers in rural health care.  Students in the Northern Medical Program and the Family Nurse Practitioner program are recipients of support. Because of its success, the NMPT now also helps students in the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday April 2, 2016 at the Prince George Civic Centre. Ticket information is available from the Office of Development at UNBC online at www.unbc.ca/giving.