Pearl Lorentzen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader
The M.D. of Opportunity is looking into adding bursaries for students in specific professions needed in the M.D., with the requirement that they work in the M.D. for a set period of time.
The idea came out of a community grant application from Meah Nakehk’o.
Nakehk’o is a third year medical student from Calling Lake. She’d applied to the M.D. for a matching grant of $14,000. This would match a grant she applied for from the Northern Alberta Development Council. NADC grants require recipients to work for a time in Northern Alberta. The M.D. can word a matching grant to require that be narrowed down to the M.D. Council was interested, however, didn’t have a policy in place so put it over for more information.
Nakehk’o is interested in practicing medicine in Calling Lake, said Reeve Marcel Auger. This would be very good for the M.D., as Calling Lake Councillor Gerald Johnson had told him that he couldn’t even get a doctor in Athabasca. Would the M.D. be able to make sure that she did work in the M.D., not in some other part of Northern Alberta?
Yes, said Angela Lightning, director of Recreation and Culture. There are forms that the M.D. would fill out for the matching grant.
Does she need to have a grant from the M.D. to be eligible for the NADC grant? asked Councillor Robin Guild.
No, said Councillor Darlene Jackson, who had looked into the NADC grant. The NADC encourages businesses, or municipalities to match the NADC grant, but doesn’t require it.
Jackson liked the idea of a bursary, but didn’t want to approve this one yet.
“We have to open it up for everybody,” she said.
Jackson suggested that before giving out bursaries the M.D. come up with a fair plan to be able to give out bursaries to multiple people.
“It’s such a good opportunity for her, and for us,” she said.
Basically, what Darlene said, said Councillor Tahirih Wiebe. It is important to come up with a plan before giving out bursaries.
“We’d be swamped with applications,” she said.
People are screaming for doctors, said Guild. Being from the area, there’s a better chance she’ll stick around if she starts working here.
Jackson suggested that the bursary have set criteria, maybe including an essay.
“It can’t just be a free for all,” said Jackson. “It’s a great idea, and I don’t know why we never thought of it before.”
Councillor Cheri Courtorielle suggested that the bursary be similar to Northland School Division’s teacher training program, which pays for the full four years, but requires people to work for Northland for four years. Her sister did it. Of her sister’s teacher training class, all still work in the M.D.
“It could work great,” she said, “but it should be contractual.”
Auger agreed, that it was a good idea, but lots of work to do. He suggested that the M.D. select only the types of careers that were most needed such as doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, dentists, etc.
“The professionals we really need in our community,” agreed Jackson.
“We did try to sponsor nurses,” said Councillor Johnson.
Johnson asked if there was a deadline.
Since the other grant wasn’t dependent on this grant, the answer was no.
The M.D. may still give her money, said Jackson, but bursaries are not part of policy yet. She suggested administration bring more information to council in September.