Media Releases

鲍鱼tv University is pleased to recognize the recent support from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation of two 鲍鱼tv programs that encourage and support Aboriginal and African Nova Scotian students to consider careers in healthcare. Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) and Aboriginal Health Sciences Initiative (AHSI) will receive up to $3.25 million in additional funding thanks to the Foundation.

鈥淎s the province鈥檚 leading university with the highest concentration of health programs, we have a responsibility to nurture diversity in our academic programs so that our graduating classes represent the communities in which they will live and work,鈥� says Richard Florizone, President of 鲍鱼tv University. 鈥淲e thank the Johnson Scholarship Foundation for their generous support.鈥�

The Johnson Foundation, which aims to improve access to education for underrepresented groups, has committed to matching all gifts to PLANS and AHSI up to $1 million.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about partnering with 鲍鱼tv on this important project,鈥� says Malcolm Macleod, the Foundation鈥檚 president. 鈥淭he additional scholarships and expanded support mechanisms will improve access to education and build capacity in these underrepresents groups, and ultimately strengthen the healthcare system.鈥�

鈥淧atients who receive care from professionals who reflect their cultural background have better experiences in the health-care system,鈥� says Dr. Anderson, Dean of 鲍鱼tv鈥檚 Faculty of Medicine. 听

The U.S. 鈥� based Foundation, in partnership with 鲍鱼tv University, will help PLANS and AHSI both provide a variety of outreach, mentorship and financial support to students in an effort to help address the cultural disparity in Nova Scotia鈥檚 health care system.

Leah Jones, a second-year medical student at 鲍鱼tv, says it was through her role as a mentor that she found the inspiration to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. 鈥淎s a young Black woman, when I see a Black female physician, it feels like they are my role model. I want others to see the same in me,鈥� she says. 鈥淧rograms such as this will help support and encourage students like me to enter the health professions.鈥�

鲍鱼tv鈥檚 faculties of health professions, dentistry and medicine graduate more than 1,000 healthcare professionals every year, many of whom launch their careers in Nova Scotia.

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Contact:

Janet Bryson

鲍鱼tv University

902-494-1269

janet.bryson@dal.ca

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