News

CBMC admissions pathways approved by Dalhousie Senate

Things continue to move forward for the development of the Cape Breton Medical Campus which will begin training 30 students predominantly in Cape Breton, beginning in August 2025. This program will have a focus on family medicine and rural health and thanks to the leadership of interim Associate Dean, Dr. Kevin Orrell, our milestones for the campus are on track. We are pleased to share that the Dalhousie Senate recently approved the rural applicant pathway for the Cape Breton Medical Campus, paving the way for qualified Nova Scotia students with lived experience in rural Nova Scotia communities to receive their medical education at the Cape Breton Medical Campus.

Congratulations to the admissions team, led by Assistant Dean, Dr. Andrea Rideout and her team for their dedication and attention to detail to move this forward.

Darrell Kyte named Program Director of Cape Breton Medical Campus

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Darrell Kyte as the program director of the CBMC. With more than two decades of rich experience in research, education and strategic leadership, Darrell has the skills to lead the CBMC to operational readiness.

As program director, Darrell will ensure seamless operation of the campus in preparation for the first cohort of students in August 2025. His responsibilities will include overseeing the daily operations of the CBMC’s administrative and operational units, including undergraduate medical education, student and resident affairs, continuing professional development and administration.

Darrell’s career history reflects his deep commitment to community development. After graduating with a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University, he got his start at New Dawn Enterprises in Sydney. He also spent time at the Ottawa-based Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) collaborating with governments to develop and evaluate innovative programs.

Darrell shared his expertise in political science and policy studies while teaching at Cape Breton University, before transitioning to Dalhousie University where he made significant contributions in institutional research. He joined their Faculty of Medicine as an evaluation specialist in the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education. During his tenure, he led the implementation of a systematic curriculum enhancement process, integrating student feedback to refine educational programs.

Darrell’s appointment as the CBMC program director offers a meaningful return to his roots and an opportunity to contribute significantly to the establishment of the new campus. We hope the community will join us in welcoming Darrell to his new role.

Kevin Chapman named Physician Engagement Consultant of the Cape Breton Medical Campus

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Chapman as the Physician Engagement Consultant of the Cape Breton Medical Campus (CBMC). With many years of experience in various roles within the healthcare industry, Kevin is well-equipped to aid in the expansion of training and educational opportunities for the CBMC.

As the Physician Engagement Consultant, Kevin will be responsible for working with the CBMC steering committee and Dalhousie medical school education leadership, along with provincial physicians, community groups, partner organizations and their foundations, to find physicians throughout Nova Scotia who may be interested in becoming educators for Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) programs.

Kevin will ensure that family physicians across the province are aware of the many supports, including financial, for educators in the field if they become involved in medical education. Kevin will also meet with specialists who work in areas required to support LIC and family medicine residency training, to identify supports required for them to increase their involvement. This includes solutions to potential challenges such as housing and transportation.

Kevin has spent most of his career in the healthcare industry, working in numerous hospitals including Victoria General Hospital, the IWK and a private hospital in Kuwait before spending the remainder of his career thus far with Doctors Nova Scotia. Kevin has held many titles including Director of Partnership and Finance and Director of Finance and Administration. He was also responsible for helping set up the new Office of HealthCare Professionals Recruitment with Dr. Orrell, where Kevin acted as Executive Lead for Physician and Paramedic Recruitment.

Throughout Kevin’s career, he has had the privilege of working with medical learners, from undergraduates to residents and physicians, in the Practice Ready Assessment Program. He is a strong believer in medical education and feels the creation of the CBMC is another example of the value in the future of Nova Scotia through medical education.

We hope the community will join us in welcoming Kevin to his new role.