Special Bursary Program for Aboriginal Medical Students

30 September 2008

The Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF) is gravely concerned about the inequalities in the health status of Canada’s aboriginal people. Studies have shown that these inequalities include shorter life expectancy (especially for aboriginal women) and higher morbidity rates than in the overall population. Aboriginal people who want and need access to physicians within the Canadian health care system are at a further disadvantage when the ratio of aboriginal physicians to the total aboriginal population is contrasted with the overall ratio of physicians to the general population. In addition,aboriginal students are often financially disadvantaged, making it difficult for them to pursue prolonged postsecondary education.To help address these inequalities, the CMF has established a bursary program for undergraduateaboriginal students enrolled in a Canadian school of medicine (i.e., studying to become an MD) to provide financial support during medical training. The bursary will provide a maximum of $4000 per academic year to each successful applicant. A total of up to $40 000 in bursaries may be awarded in each academic year of the program.

Application Deadline October 10, 2008

Download application form