LETTER: Congratulations to UPEI medical students

The medical faculty of UPEI, partnering with Memorial University medical school is already, and will continue to be of great benefit to Islanders, writes Dr. Herb Dickieson. Photo by Stu Neatby /The GuardianArticle contentCongratulations and welcome medical students to the medical faculty at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)! You have earned your place in the Island’s first, and Canada’s newest medical faculty. You will learn the skills, ethics and gain the confidence to enter a profession of trust and service to which many will depend.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe UPEI medical faculty developed from an idea in 2019, sparked by the release a Medical Society of P.E.I. survey early that year revealing that within five years 56 per cent of then current Island physicians had planned to reduce or leave their practice with 13 per cent moving out of the province, 19 per cent retiring, and 24 per cent planning to reduce their practice. Since then, the number of Island patients without a physician has ballooned, despite government efforts to mitigate the growing doctor shortage.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentA plan was put forth for accelerated recruitment, to increase medical residency seats on the Island, and to develop a medical school at UPEI. It received widespread support from civic leaders across the province representing the majority of Islanders. Appeals were made to provincial and federal MLAs, cabinet ministers, and MPs, with varied, but growing interest.Article contentA significant breakthrough came with the adoption of the Medical School concept by the UPEI administration who comprehensively researched the feasibility of developing a medical faculty, consulting regional, national and international facilities.Article contentArticle contentMemorial University partnershipArticle contentArticle contentUpon landing an agreement to partner with the Medical Faculty of Memorial University in St. John’s, N.L., a steering committee was established, combining the experience and expertise of both universities, employing a collaborative approach to develop all necessary components of a medical learning institution. Challenges and concerns were received with openness and addressed with resolve to build a state-of-the-art medical school.Article contentArticle contentThe Dennis King government endorsed the project in October 2021, and the federal government later backed the development with financial support.Article contentThe medical faculty of UPEI, partnering with Memorial University medical school is already, and will continue to be of great benefit to Islanders long before graduation of the first class of medical students by attracting physicians to the Island to instruct and practise, providing necessary continuing medical education to Island doctors with access to a simulation centre for training of not only physicians, but nurses, paramedics and other first responders, as well as opening a health-care clinic accessing medical care to 10,000 Island patients, and more.Article contentIslanders may well be proud of our new medical school, and with certainty will be extending best wishes to the medical class starting this fall, hoping that they will enjoy a fulfilling learning experience, not just for their sake, but for the benefit of all they will serve.Article contentArticle contentDr. Herb Dickieson,Article contentRetired rural physician,Article contentMember of the UPEI medical faculty steering committeeArticle content