Taking Action: The Key to Healthcare
Introduced in 2008, the QFNIFMP is the result of a close partnership between the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) and the four faculties of medicine in Quebec.
It addresses World Health Organization recommendations that aim to encourage the training of Indigenous physicians. It is funded by the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and the ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.
Objectives
Promote access to medical school and the integration of future First Nations and Inuit physicians in the Faculties of Medicine in Quebec.
Building awareness among future physicians in Quebec about First Nations and Inuit realities.
A Unique Stepping Stone
This Program is a gateway to medical training and allows First Nations and Inuit applicants to be admitted every year to one of four Faculties of Medicine, namely at Université Laval, Université de Montréal, McGill University or Université de Sherbrooke.
Following the same training and same pathway as all medical students, applicants admitted through the Program also benefit from personalized accompaniment, supported by professionals and mentors throughout their journey.
Forward-looking Program
- Valuing First Nations and Inuit expertise in community-based medicine
- Better First Nations and Inuit access to medical school
- Qualified professionals aware of First Nations and Inuit realities
- Medical practices adapted to First Nations and Inuit cultures and communities
- Positive impact on the First Nations and Inuit workforce
To date, the Program has facilitated the admission of more than 60 students into the Doctor of Medicine program. Many of them have completed their training and are now inspiring role models who are making a positive contribution to health-related challenges and issues facing First Nations and Inuit in Quebec.
Stages et apprentissages pour les futurs médecins au Québec
Towards a Career in Medicine
Unlike the usual provincial admission process, the Program provides First Nations and Inuit applicants with a distinct structure to improve access and promote their admission to medical school.
Internships and apprenticeships for future physicians in Quebec
Discover and Share
Every year, future physicians participate in cultural awareness activities and have an opportunity to enhance their career path through internships in First Nations and Inuit communities.
”I would love to see the day when everyone in our communities have access to the same quality of services as non-Indigenous people. I believe that increasing our representativity in the health network is one of the ways to help us achieve this.”
Raphaelle East, student
Highlights
2008
Year the Program was established
64
First Nations and Inuit students admitted to QFNIFMP
10
Spots reserved annually
4
Participating faculties of medicine
128
Students have completed an internship in First Nations and Inuit communities
About twenty
internships annually in a practicum setting in a First Nations or Inuit community or organization
Program Coordination
The FNQLHSSC and Université Laval have been responsible for coordinating the QFNIFMP since it was established. Besides joining forces with the four faculties of medicine partners to recruit and oversee First Nations and Inuit students in the faculties, the FNQLHSSC is responsible for circulating news and carrying out promotional and awareness activities. It also coordinates preclinical internships in First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations, and works with the faculties of medicine and other partners to promote access to places of practice for physicians completing their training.
Interested in a career in healthcare?
If you are a member of a First Nations or Inuit community in Quebec looking to work in healthcare, please contact us. We will guide you through the process.
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