Special Bursary Program for Aboriginal* Medical Students

Statement of Intention

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.Special Bursary Program

To help address these inequalities, the CMF has established a bursary program for undergraduate Aboriginal students enrolled in a Canadian school of medicine 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.

Additional Bursaries for 2008

Moved and inspired by the example and commitment of a well-known and respected Quebec Aboriginal physician, an anonymous donor has designated funds for the creation of two additional bursaries:

• Quebec Bursary: Value $5000
• Single Parent Bursary: Value $5000

In memory of the late Dr. Jack Armstrong, an additional $1000 will be awarded to a bursary recipient who clearly demonstrates experience/interest/capacity to care for and about the health of Aboriginal people.

The CMF also offers the Dr. John Big Canoe Memorial Scholarship. Please contact the CMF for eligibility requirements
and other details.

Application Deadline October 10, 2008

http://www.medicalfoundation.ca/page/en/aboriginal_bursary