Classes for CBU’s new medical school start in a week out of temporary home

Classes are set to begin at the Cape Breton Medical Campus in just one week, where students are making a commitment to practicing medicine in rural Nova Scotia communities for five years following their studies. This unique program is not only providing valuable medical education but also addressing the need for healthcare professionals in underserved areas.

One student, Jamey Toney-Gagne, a member of the Eskasoni First Nation, is excited about the opportunity to work in a Mi’kmaw community after graduation. She expressed her passion for rural medicine, stating, “I want to be able to show up for people that are not necessarily seen or represented and also make care more accessible for folks.”

The Cape Breton Medical Campus is a joint effort between Dalhousie Medical School and Cape Breton University located in Sydney. The 30 students enrolled in the program are all Nova Scotia residents who have committed to working in the province post-graduation.

Toney-Gagne, who hopes to specialize in pediatrics after working as a family doctor, recognizes the importance of rural family medicine. She emphasized the abundance of opportunities for healthcare professionals in rural areas, particularly in Nova Scotia.

The provincial government is supporting this initiative to address the shortage of doctors in rural regions. They are funding the construction of the medical school as well as covering operational costs for the first two years. Premier Tim Houston has praised the program as a crucial step in improving healthcare in the province for the long term.

While the new medical sciences building at Cape Breton University is still under construction, classes are currently being held at the former Sydney campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. The students will be learning about the unique medical needs of the local population, including Indigenous and Black Nova Scotian communities, with an emphasis on preparing them for practice in rural settings.

Dr. Jennifer Hall, senior associate dean of CBU’s medical campus, believes that the school will have a significant impact on healthcare in the province. She stated, “Having the Cape Breton Medical Campus in place allows us to provide more training in communities around Nova Scotia, both large and small, that would benefit from having more physicians.”

The Cape Breton Medical Campus is not only training the next generation of doctors but also addressing the healthcare disparities in rural Nova Scotia. With a focus on community-based care and a commitment to serving underserved populations, this program is poised to make a positive impact on healthcare in the province.