Peter Eppinga of Masset is a member of Canada's first physician-training program focused on preparing doctors to work in northern and rural communities.
He is a member of the third group of students in the Northern Medical Program, the result of a collaboration between UBC and the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. The program started in 2004 and its primary mission is to increase the number of doctors practising in the North by training them here. Like other Northern Medical Program students, Peter completed his first semester at UBC and is now continuing at UNBC. He'll have the opportunity to work with physicians in communities throughout the North.
Here are some comments from Peter:
"I have wanted to be a phsyician since I was five years old. I love to help people. I am concerned about their life and the quality of it. Being a physician makes a big difference in peoples lives. Finally, I love the human body and the science of it! I am on the board of directors for the Indigenous Association of Canada, and wish to influence Aboriginal health on a national level. Being in the north in the Northern Medical Program helps me to better understand Aboriginal health issues in the north and it will prepare me when I practice in my hometown Masset."