A new Rural Medical Teaching School will be created at the University of Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

U of L receives $43 million to create Rural Medical Teaching School

Mar 1, 2024 | 9:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A major step has been announced in the University of Lethbridge’s (U of L) plans to address the shortage of family doctors.

The post-secondary will receive $43 million from this week’s provincial budget to create a new Rural Medical Teaching School.

U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas said access to family physicians has proven to be an incredible challenge for families in small to mid-sized centres across the region.

“Investing in a program that recruits local students, and trains them locally, will lead to more doctors practicing in rural areas. Today’s announcement will greatly improve health outcomes for Albertans and access to family physicians,” said Jayas.

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Although he stated that the teaching school comes as a result of a partnership between the Universities of Lethbridge and Calgary, it will be located out of the U of L.

They will transform existing space in the U of L’s Community Centre for Wellness into a teaching facility for medical students that will “add state-of-the-art learning spaces as well as provide opportunities to serve the community,” said Jayas.

By taking advantage of space the university already has, Jayas said it will be a more cost-effective investment that will be established more quickly. Exact timelines, however, were not provided.

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen said in his reaction to the provincial budget that the Rural Medical Teaching School was a major highlight.

“It’s a great initiative to train and retain doctors in southern Alberta,” said Hyggen.

READ MORE: ‘Responsible plan for a growing province’: Alberta reveals balanced budget, boosting health care and education funding

READ MORE: Lethbridge Mayor Hyggen reacts to Alberta Budget 2024

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