The University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine changes its 30-year admission policy for Aboriginal candidates – Edmonton

The University of Alberta stated that it eliminated a quota system that limited the number of Aboriginal students admitted to its faculty of medicine each year.

A new admission policy will allow all Aboriginal students meeting the eligibility criteria to be admitted to the university's faculty of medicine.

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Over the past 30 years, the medical school curriculum has limited the number of Aboriginal students admitted per school year to five, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. The University of Alberta stated that the quota was established to address the under-representation of Aboriginal peoples in the health professions.

"Thirty years ago, Aboriginal enrollment in post-secondary education was far from being up to our goals, so occupying five places on the total allocation of places in the medical program was therefore a significant measure, "said Tibetha Kemble, director of the Aboriginal Health Initiative program at the faculty of medicine and dentistry.

"Over time, this once significant measure has become a limitation. As the national conversation focused on reconciliation, it was important that we take a closer look at ways to advance calls for action in a way that went beyond incrementalism. "

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The university's Faculty of Medicine stated that Aboriginal students applying to the program were considered in the same manner as other students: applicants had to meet the minimum eligibility criteria, apply for secondary medicine, and complete an badessment. line.

However, unlike non-Aboriginal students, Aboriginal applicants then go on to another interview with a panel of elders, Aboriginal community members and physicians. The subcommittee then makes recommendations to the admissions committee at the faculty of medicine.

The university announced that the faculty of medicine will also grant four new full scholarships to new Aboriginal students.

"This is a step forward in responding to calls for truth and reconciliation, specifically number 23, which calls on all levels of government to increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health field." declared the vice-dean of education. Shirley Schipper.

Kemble stated that the policies adopted in Canada have an impact on the experience of the Aboriginal community with the health system. She used the 1880 amendment to the Indian Act as an example of how Canadian medical schools helped to badimilate Aboriginal peoples.

"The 1880 amendment meant that if you went to medical school, you would lose your Indian status. You can not go home. It's been in place for 81 years and from that point of view, so few of us have ventured into those walls and buildings, "Kemble said.

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She added that more Aboriginal physicians are essential to bridge the gap between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians because they understand the lived reality of Aboriginal patients and are able to provide them with "culturally safe care".

Kemble wants other faculties and faculties of medicine at the University of Canada to make similar changes in admissions.