BURSARIES AWARDED TO MEDICAL STUDENTS

Health Minister Don McMorris today congratulated 64 Saskatchewan medical students and residents who were awarded bursaries in exchange for their commitment to work in Saskatchewan. This number could increase to more than 70, as students and residents continue to accept and return bursary offers.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), the provincial government is awarding these bursaries throughout the year to students studying medicine. With the medical bursaries awarded this year, a total of 137 medical students and residents will benefit from the medical bursaries.

These students are just a few of the 600 recipients of health bursaries. In addition to medical students, bursaries are being awarded to students studying nursing and health sciences disciplines. This fiscal year, the provincial government is devoting more than $6 million to support return-service bursary programs in the health field.

"Keeping and attracting key health care professionals is a top priority of this government," McMorris said. "I am very pleased to recognize these medical students and residents who are pursuing their careers right here in Saskatchewan."

"By providing this incentive to students and residents to practise in Saskatchewan, we are exposing them to the opportunities that will come from making their careers here," SMA president Dr. Joe Pfeifer said. "Patients benefit from their excellent training, the students benefit from the broad experience they gain, and Saskatchewan benefits by keeping these skilled and talented individuals working in our province."

Bursaries are just one of a number of initiatives this government has put in place to keep and attract physicians to Saskatchewan. By increasing the number of seats at the College of Medicine along with adding another 60 residency training spots, the government is committed to providing Saskatchewan residents with access to quality health care.

Bursaries range from $10,000 to $30,000 in funding. In exchange for these bursaries, the students, residents and physicians agree to work in the province's publicly funded health system upon completion of training.

For additional information about medical bursaries, please visit www.sma.sk.ca/programs/bursary.aspx. For information about other health bursaries, please visit www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

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