CBU ready to open new medical school this fall

Cape Breton University (CBU) is making strides in the medical education field with the opening of a new medical school this fall. The university has recently sent out letters of offer to 30 students who will be part of this exciting new program.

The new medical school will be housed in a brand new building at CBU, set to open in October. In the meantime, classes will be held in the old Nova Scotia Community College buildings next door until the new structure is completed. The medical school at CBU will be in collaboration with Dalhousie University’s medical school.

Dr. Jennifer Hall, senior associate dean of CBU’s medical campus, has assured that recent budget cuts at the university will not affect the medical program. She explained that the budget for the medical campus is separate and has been allocated as a priority initiative with its own dedicated budget.

Despite concerns from some local physicians about taking time away from their practices to teach, Dr. Hall has successfully recruited up to 45 doctors from the area to teach first-year students. She is also actively recruiting more physicians for the second year of the program.

Dr. Hall, who has a background in family medicine and medical education, emphasized the long history of medical education in Cape Breton. She highlighted the opportunity for students to learn about the medical needs of the local population, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities, which will be beneficial for practicing in rural settings throughout the province.

The curriculum for the medical program at CBU will include classes at the university for the first two years, followed by clinical placements in Cape Breton, rural Nova Scotia, and other parts of the Maritimes for the remaining two years. Students will also be required to sign a return-of-service agreement committing them to work in rural Nova Scotia for a set number of years after graduation.

Overall, the new medical school at Cape Breton University is an exciting development that will not only provide valuable medical education but also address the healthcare needs of underserved communities in the region. With a dedicated team of physicians and staff, the program is set to make a positive impact on the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia.