P.E.I. welcomes class of medical students to train on the island

PEI welcomes class of medical students starting their training Tuesday. (Source: Government of PEI)

Twenty students will start their medical school journey in Prince Edward Island on Tuesday.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Government of P.E.I., Memorial University and the University of P.E.I. (UPEI) and other partners across the health sector, is part of the province’s effort to strengthen the health-care system and train more doctors on the Island.

“Having Island students begin medical training here at home is a proud moment for our province,” said Rob Lantz, premier of Prince Edward Island. “This is about more than a first day of classes. It is about building the future of our health care system, improving access to care, and ensuring Islanders will have the services they need for generations to come.”

The new campus at UPEI will deliver Memorial University’s accredited Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

The UPEI satellite campus is part of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador. Students will take part in clinical training across P.E.I.’s health system, where they will receive hands-on experience across the Island.

“Across the country there are physician shortages and a lack of training opportunities. This program is about ensuring that more Islanders have access to high quality medical training delivered close to home,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Mark McLane. “By training physicians here at home, we are building a stronger, more sustainable health-care system for the future. Congratulations to the first class of students—you are making history today.”

The students participated in orientation activities last week and began their classes Tuesday.

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