November 4, 2024 (Edmonton, Alberta) – The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 RhPAP Rural Medical Student Awards, an initiative dedicated to supporting Alberta medical students keen on serving rural communities. First offered in 2004, this annual award provides a one-time contribution of $5,000 to help students with tuition, accommodation, living, and/or professional development expenses.
This year, a maximum of four awards will be granted. These awards support up to two students at each of Alberta’s medical schools: the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Selected recipients will receive financial support to help ease their path into a career in rural healthcare.
To qualify for the RhPAP Rural Medical Student Awards, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Alberta resident, or a permanent resident of Canada residing in Alberta.
- Be a full-time, first or second-year medical student at either the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary.
- Complete the RhPAP application form before the deadline of February 1, 2025.
Preference will be given to applicants who have spent a minimum of five consecutive years living in a rural Alberta community (outside the Census Metropolitan Area boundaries of Calgary or Edmonton with fewer than 15,000 residents), and who have a demonstrated commitment to, or interest in, rural practice. Additionally, membership in a Rural Medical Interest Group is considered an asset.
Previous award recipients were chosen because of their unique stories and personal journeys in rural healthcare. Some were inspired by growing up in rural communities themselves, understanding firsthand the challenges faced by these areas and wanting to give back. Others were drawn to the collaborative, close-knit environment that rural healthcare offers.
“There will be difficulties in each medical specialty, but I want to embrace the challenge that comes with serving underserved communities and working in low-resource settings,” said Stephanie de Waal, from Barrhead, Alberta one of the 2024 RhPAP Rural Medical Student Award recipients.
“The physicians I grew up with inspired me to advocate for these communities.”
To learn about the previous 2024 RhPAP Rural Medical Student Award recipients, please visit RhPAP.ca. Successful applicants will be contacted in late February or early March 2025.
Inquiries can be directed to:
Jessica Surgenor
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP)
Tel: 403 363 6008
Jessica.Surgenor@rhpap.ca
Emily Johnson
Grants Assoc., Strategy & Stakeholders
Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP)
Emily.Johnson@rhpap.ca
About RhPAP:
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) is an organization that aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in rural communities across Alberta. RhPAP collaborates with rural communities, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and government bodies to address healthcare workforce challenges and improve access to healthcare services in rural areas. To learn more about RhPAP, please visit RhPAP.ca.