Aboriginal students studying for a medical degree now have the opportunity for further funding through a new partnership with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and the Canadian Medical Foundation (CMF).

First Nation, Inuit or Métis student enrolled full-time at a Canadian medical school studying for a medical degree are eligible for 11 bursaries each earmarked for $5000.

“We are thrilled to provide support to these outstanding students studying medicine,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President & CEO Roberta Jamieson. “We realize how difficult this course of study is and the lack of Aboriginal representation in the medical profession. We are pleased that the Canadian Medical Foundation is also aware of this and is leading the charge.”

“The CMF is gravely concerned about the inequities in the health status of Canada’s Aboriginal people,” said Dr. Henry Haddad, Chair of the Canadian Medical Foundation, “They need and deserve access to competent medical care within the Canadian health care system, delivered by physicians with cultural competency that matches their skills in medicine.”

To help address these inequities, the CMF is pleased to provide Aboriginal medical students with bursaries to pursue their dream of medicine. By supporting these students the hope is to support Aboriginal men and women who will be true leaders in the development of Aboriginal health for Canada.

For more information on the Bursary and to download the application form – please visit www.naaf.ca

Deadline for applications is June 1, 2010.