Here at the Faculty of Medicine, we are also feeling positive, enthusiastic and a deep sense of pride in our Class of 2015. Among our exceptional students are a Rhodes Scholar, a married military couple who plan to take advantage of the province’s new grant/return-of-service program and nine Aboriginal students.

Last week, we officially welcomed our newest students with our annual White Coat ceremony and reciting of the Hippocratic Oath. We heard from Minister of Health Theresa Oswald ¬-who gave an inspiring, moving speech- and alumnus Hugh O’Brodovich Professor and Head of Pediatrics, Stanford University. He advised our first-year students that to become ethical and caring physicians, a dedication to humanity is paramount..

Of the 110 students, 99 are Manitobans and 11 are from out of province. Forty-two of the Class of 2015 students have rural attributes which include rural roots; rural work experience; or rural volunteer or leadership experience. Studies have found that medical students who come from a rural background are more likely to relocate and practice in rural areas after graduation

We know from surveying our graduates that about half will complete their residencies here in Manitoba. As well, about 50 per cent of our MD graduates will eventually begin their practice here in Mantioba. About a quarter of our graduates listed rural Canadian practice locations as their first practice location.

We also know that exposing students to rural practice and life can positively influence physicians to practice in rural areas.

To that end, we are undertaking a review of the impact of the CaRMS match on our students staying in Manitoba. As well, we are hoping to further expand our distributed medical education model and working with Brandon University to look at potential options.

We live in a great province and our faculty is here to educate and train physicians to deliver health care to all Manitobans.