May 14 marks a major milestone as the new medical sciences building - the learning hub for the Cape Breton Medical Campus - officially opens at Cape Breton University (CBU).
The exterior of the new medical sciences building on the Cape Breton Medical Campus at Cape Breton University. (Cape Breton University)
The campus - a partnership with Dalhousie faculty of medicine and CBU - welcomed its first cohort of students last August, a significant step forward in training the next generation of doctors.
"This is a historic day for Cape Breton and for healthcare across our province," said Premier Tim Houston. "By training more doctors here at home, we are improving access to care for families today, and for generations to come."
The medical campus will train up to 30 new family doctors each year. Under return-of-service agreements, the students - who are from rural Nova Scotia communities - have committed to practise family medicine in rural areas of the province after they graduate.
The new facility features modern learning environments with advanced technology for connected classrooms, a full anatomy lab and a state-of-the-art clinical simulation centre.
The inaugural class started their learning in a temporary space at the former Nova Scotia Community College campus nearby while the medical sciences building was under construction.
The Province's investment in the campus also includes an expanded Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre and a new health home that will offer primary care to residents and clinical training for medical students.
Simulation centre patient rooms in the medical sciences building (Cape Breton University)
Quotes:
"The opening of the Cape Breton Medical Campus medical sciences building marks a significant milestone for medical education and healthcare in Nova Scotia. This achievement reflects the strength of our partnership with Cape Breton University and the Province, and a shared commitment to expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities."
Dr. David Anderson, Dean of Medicine, Dalhousie faculty of medicine
"We are deeply grateful to the Premier, the Honourable Tim Houston, and the Province of Nova Scotia for its leadership and support in bringing the Cape Breton Medical Campus to life. This new medical sciences building represents a long-term investment in healthcare education and in the well-being of Nova Scotians for generations to come. By training future physicians here in Cape Breton, particularly those who understand and are connected to rural communities, we are strengthening the province's healthcare system and expanding opportunities for communities across Nova Scotia."
David Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University
"We watched the building rise during construction, while learning first-hand that our strength lies in our students, the real bricks and mortar of the Cape Breton Medical Campus. We are so proud of our students and admire their courage and commitment to healthy Nova Scotia communities. Each student brings something unique, but all exude a sense of community connection that was built and nurtured in small-town Nova Scotia beginnings."
Dr. Stephanie Langley, Senior Associate Dean, Cape Breton Medical Campus
"The new medical sciences building at the Cape Breton Medical Campus marks an exciting next chapter in our training. The new technology and infrastructure will also strengthen our connections with peers and faculty across all three Dalhousie medicine campuses, helping ensure that students at CBMC have access to the same high-quality educational opportunities and collaborative experiences. We are so proud to be part of the inaugural class and look forward to welcoming future CBMC students."
Ben Hewins, President, Class of 2029, Cape Breton Medical Campus
Quick Facts:
- in March 2023, the Province announced $58.9 million to develop the campus, including $49 million for the medical sciences building and related infrastructure, $6.2 million for a new health home and $3.7 million to expand the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre
- in April 2024, the Province announced $11.6 million for operational costs, as well as $1.5 million for five additional seats at Dalhousie faculty of medicine
- the current Dalhousie University faculty of medicine curriculum is being delivered at the Cape Breton Medical Campus
Additional Resources:
- Cape Breton Medical Campus: https://www.cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/health-wellness/cape-breton-medical-campus/
- Dalhousie University's doctor of medicine program: https://medicine.dal.ca/programs/md-program.html
- Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre: https://www.cbu.ca/current-students/student-services/health-wellness/health-services-nancy-dingwall-health-centre/
