Medical Students Begin Classes in New Cape Breton Medical Sciences Building
CANADA, August 24 - Medical students at the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC) are beginning classes in the new medical sciences building today, August 24, marking another milestone in the Province’s work to train more doctors and improve access to healthcare in rural communities.
The new medical sciences building is the cornerstone of the CBMC, a partnership between Dalhousie University’s faculty of medicine and Cape Breton University.
“Our government is making sure Nova Scotians in rural communities have reliable access to the healthcare they need, close to home,” said Premier Tim Houston. “By training more doctors in Cape Breton and prioritizing students with rural experience, we are helping build a stronger pipeline of physicians who understand these communities and are committed to serving them. This new medical sciences building is a critical step toward better care for families across Nova Scotia.”
The inaugural cohort of 30 medical students began their studies in a temporary space at the former Nova Scotia Community College campus last August while the new building was under construction. Thirty new first-year students began classes today as the class of 2029 moves into second-year studies, doubling the number of students attending the CBMC.
Admissions to the CBMC prioritize qualified Nova Scotia applicants with lived experience in rural Nova Scotia communities. Under return-of-service agreements, the students have committed to practice 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.
Quotes:
“This is an exciting milestone for Cape Breton and for Nova Scotia,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “This new facility gives future doctors the space, technology and hands-on learning opportunities they need to succeed. We’re proud to invest in training more doctors here at home and building a stronger healthcare system for Nova Scotians.” — Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education
"Welcoming our second cohort of learners to the Cape Breton Medical Campus is an exciting milestone for Dalhousie Medical School and for medical education in Nova Scotia. The success of our inaugural class has demonstrated the exceptional learning opportunities available in Cape Breton and we are proud to support these students as they begin their medical education journey and prepare to make a meaningful impact on the health of the communities they will serve." — Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright, Acting Dean of Medicine, Dalhousie faculty of medicine
"We are thrilled to be welcoming the second class of future physicians to the Cape Breton Medical Campus. We are deeply grateful to the Province of Nova Scotia for its continued confidence in our partnership with Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine and for this important investment in Cape Breton and rural Nova Scotia’s future. By working together, we are strengthening medical education, expanding opportunities for aspiring physicians and helping ensure more communities have access to the health-care professionals they need for generations to come." — David Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University
"We are delighted to welcome our newest learners to the CBMC while celebrating the continued success of our inaugural class as they progress toward becoming family physicians. These students are helping to shape the future of healthcare in rural Nova Scotia, developing the clinical skills, knowledge and community connections that will enable them to make a meaningful impact as future family physicians.” — Dr. Stephanie Langley, Senior Associate Dean, Cape Breton Medical Campus
"It's incredible to see the new campus and how thoughtfully it has been designed with students in mind. I expect I will be spending a lot of time here, so having welcoming gathering spaces, dedicated study areas and advanced technology that keeps us connected with classmates across Dalhousie's campuses will be amazing.” — Alyssa Burke, First-year student, 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, $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: News release – First Cohort Begins at Cape Breton Medical Campus: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/22/first-cohort-begins-cape-breton-medical-campus
News release – Province Invests in Training More Doctors: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/18/province-invests-training-more-doctors
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/
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