Hi Everyone,

I just spent a week on location at the Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU’s) Faculty of Medicine as a chair of the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) preliminary accreditation site visit team. What a great opportunity to participate as a member of the accreditation committee for a new Canadian medical school – lots of learnings for our continued journey in PEI.

So today, I’d like to share a few thoughts on the road ahead, accreditation requirements, and key partnerships.

The development of the Memorial regional campus at UPEI (and eventual joint medical education program) is a unique journey that all the team at UPEI are proud to be part of. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the development of regional campuses in the past, having been very involved in the launch of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick as well as managing a regional campus at USASK for ten years and over the years, visiting or accrediting seven other regional campuses in Canada. We must be absolutely clear that as a regional campus, we are providing a Memorial program under Memorial’s accreditation, and our students will be registered at Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine. 

The subsequent transition to an accredited joint program with Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine is a groundbreaking initiative in Canada. We’re still navigating the intricacies of this project with our experienced Memorial partners, UPEI leadership, government, and the PEI medical community. I can’t wait to see its impact on our medical education landscape.

In the spirit of this partnership, Memorial University is launching a regional campus on PEI to offer its Doctor of Medicine degree in the fall of 2025. This will allow PEI residents more equitable access sooner and transfer much-needed seats back to Memorial for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since the early 2000s, several medical schools have successfully launched regional campuses, with many more currently in development. We are fortunate that Memorial is expanding its regional campus offering to PEI to ensure no Canadian jurisdiction is left behind. 

As a regional campus of Memorial, we are privileged to align with Memorial’s high accreditation standards: same curriculum, same assessment, same student services, and comparable learning experience. This alignment allows PEI residents to access the program much earlier than would have been possible under other circumstances. We are truly fortunate that Memorial has chosen to partner with us in this manner.

The goal over the next two years remains a joint program between Memorial and UPEI, which means we will benefit from both institutions’ shared expertise and experience, and UPEI will continue to benefit from Memorial’s award-winning medical education curriculum but will have the flexibility to tailor aspects to meet PEI’s needs best.

While the flavour of this post is certainly about accreditation and our invaluable partnership with Memorial, my work with the Health PEI senior leadership team and physician engagement continues as well. Many PEI physicians are expressing interest in becoming involved. As we are a regional campus of Memorial, we encourage all physicians who are interested in teaching at Memorial’s regional campus in PEI to apply for a faculty appointment with Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine. This includes physicians who are currently affiliated with Dalhousie; everyone is more than welcome! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Health PEI’s Medical Affairs Office for assistance with the process, or if you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to medicine@upei.ca or to me directly.

In addition to work life, my wife Jane and I and the dogs have been thoroughly enjoying Island life. From fishing from my backyard to gardening to paring #13 at Stanhope golf course, we are reassured daily that PEI is the right fit for us! We love it here.

As always, my door is open, and I am happy to take your call or meet wherever is convenient for you.