BURSARIES AWARDED TO MEDICAL STUDENTS

Thirty-three Saskatchewan medical students and residents have received bursaries in exchange for their commitment to work in Saskatchewan. In partnership with the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), the provincial government has awarded these bursaries throughout the year to students studying medicine. Including the medical bursaries awarded this year, a total of 95 medical students and residents are currently receiving ongoing, multi-year medical bursaries.

These students are some of the recipients of more than 500 new and continuing health bursaries. In addition to medical students, bursaries have been awarded to students studying nursing, health sciences disciplines, and emergency technology. This fiscal year, the provincial government is devoting $5 million to support return-service bursaries in the health field.

"Keeping and attracting key health care professionals in urban, rural and northern communities is a top priority of this government, and it is a priority we committed to in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "I am very pleased to recognize these students and residents who have received bursaries to help them pursue medical careers. We can be proud of them for their commitment to health care in Saskatchewan by returning to work with and serve the people of this province."

"The SMA is keen to work with our medical residents and students to provide them with an incentive to remain in Saskatchewan to practice medicine," Saskatchewan Medical Association President Dr. Brian Geller said. "Recruitment and retention remain our top priority and we continue to work with partner agencies to provide a variety of programs of interest to students and residents within Saskatchewan as well as to new physicians arriving here."

Bursaries provide a range of financial support to medical students and residents. In exchange for these bursaries, the students and residents agree to work in the province's publicly funded health system upon completion of training.

Bursaries are one of a number of initiatives in place to keep and attract physicians to Saskatchewan.

For additional information about the bursary program, please visit the Saskatchewan Health web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Marcus Davies Saskatchewan Medical Association Saskatoon Phone: (306)244-2196