AV俱乐部

AV俱乐部 is pleased to recognize the recent support from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation of two AV俱乐部 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 AV俱乐部. 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 AV俱乐部 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 AV俱乐部鈥檚 Faculty of Medicine. 听

The U.S. 鈥� based Foundation, in partnership with AV俱乐部, 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 AV俱乐部, 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�

AV俱乐部鈥檚 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

AV俱乐部

902-494-1269

janet.bryson@dal.ca

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