ULethbridge welcomes first Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP) students

The University of Lethbridge welcomed the first cohort of students in the Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP) on July 6, marking an important milestone for medical education in regional and rural southern Alberta. 

Delivered in partnership with the Cumming School of Medicine, the program allows students to earn a University of Calgary degree while completing much of their medical training in Lethbridge and in rural and regional communities across southern Alberta. The goal is to help address physician workforce needs by training future doctors who are connected to the communities they serve. 

For Dr. Rick Buck, associate dean of the program, this moment has been years in the making and is both exciting and deeply meaningful. 

“After a lot of tremendous support from both the University of Lethbridge and the University of Calgary, and a lot of dedication and hard work from many individuals and teams, this day has come to fruition,” says Buck. “It is absolutely incredible to see the excitement in the students, and that is what makes me happy today.” 

Buck says the program reflects a clear and well-established approach to strengthening health care in the region. 

“If we recruit students locally and we train them locally, then they are more likely to stay,” he explains. “Southern Alberta is similar to other places across the country in the way that we are suffering from a physician shortage. If we can show these students that this is a rewarding and satisfying career in southern Alberta, then hopefully they’ll stick around.” 

Students in the inaugural class say the opportunity to learn in smaller communities and build strong connections was a major draw.  

“Today is a day that I’ve dreamed about for many, many years,” says Erin Walker, SAMP student. “Being here feels very surreal, and especially as the inaugural class of the Southern Alberta Medical Program. That’s a very special feeling.”  

Walker says the program aligns closely with her long-term goals. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor in a small area, so I think that this fits well with my future goals and dreams.” 

She also highlights the close-knit learning environment. “We’re in a class of 20 students and because of that we’re going to have really great learning opportunities as well as the chance to get to know some people who are going to be some of our best friends for the rest of our lives.”  

For Daniel Principelli, the program offers a clear path towards rural practice. 

“I’d love to focus on rural healthcare in the future, and I think the SAMP program is going to set me up for success to be a rural family physician,” he says. 

He adds that the support from faculty and staff stood out immediately.  

“I’m really excited to be part of the first cohort at the Southern Alberta Medical Program and to be at the University of Lethbridge,” he says. “Everyone’s been really outgoing and made us feel really warm and welcome.” 

Claire Holt, who is originally from Medicine Hat, says the program offers a direct and meaningful connection to her roots.  

“It feels close to home. As someone who hopes to practice back home in Medicine Hat one day, I am very excited to get exposed to everything that rural medicine has to offer.” 

She says the first day has been energizing. “It almost feels surreal to be standing here today. You can really feel the energy, and everyone seems really excited to get started, and I am too.” 

As the first cohort begins their studies, the sense of momentum is clear. The program not only represents a new pathway in medical education but also a long-term investment in the health and vitality of communities across southern Alberta.  

Buck shared a simple message for the students as they begin their journey.  

“Welcome aboard, first cohort of SAMP. We are so thrilled that you’ve chosen us for medical education, and we look forward to seeing you as colleagues in the near future."