UPEI Receives $1 Million Gift for Faculty of Medicine
Published: February 2026
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) announced a $1 million gift from the Hewitt Foundation in February 2026 to support its new Faculty of Medicine.
The Gift
UPEI President Dr. Wendy Rodgers announced the donation, which will support:
- Enhanced learner experiences
- Simulation-based education
- Innovative teaching methods
- Community-based medical training
Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of UPEI’s Faculty of Medicine, said the contribution “represents a belief in the future physicians who plan to serve Prince Edward Island and a commitment to helping them succeed in their training and beyond.”
About UPEI’s Faculty of Medicine
UPEI’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre opened in fall 2025 with its first class of 20 students, all from Prince Edward Island. The program operates as a regional campus in partnership with Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, making it the first partnership of its kind in Canada.
The joint degree program is currently pursuing accreditation.
Context: Trends in Veterinary and Medical Education Funding
Major donations to veterinary and medical schools have increasingly focused on several areas:
Simulation and Technology: Donors are supporting simulation labs, digital learning tools, and hands-on training facilities.
Regional Access: Funding supports programs that train students closer to where they’ll practice, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Interdisciplinary Training: Gifts often support connections between veterinary medicine, human medicine, and public health, reflecting One Health approaches.
Student Support: Scholarships and financial aid programs help address concerns about student debt and professional accessibility.
Workforce Considerations
Regional medical and veterinary education programs aim to address workforce distribution challenges. Programs like UPEI’s are designed with features that may improve retention:
- Training students from the local community
- Building connections with regional healthcare organizations
- Emphasizing the types of cases students will encounter in local practice
- Using technology to supplement specialized instruction
Continuing Education Implications
As veterinary and medical schools update their curricula, practicing professionals may find value in CE programs that cover:
- New diagnostic and treatment technologies
- Evidence-based practice updates
- Communication and business skills
- Specialty topics in high-demand areas
VetOnIt CE Courses
VetOnIt CE offers RACE-approved continuing education for veterinary professionals. Upcoming courses include topics in internal medicine, dermatology, neurology, and practice management.
Visit VetOnIt CE for the full course catalog.
Source:
- University of Prince Edward Island. (February 2026). “The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support UPEI’s Faculty of Medicine.”
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