REGINA — Convocation is a time for celebration.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Medicine Class of 2026 has officially made history. Among the graduates, the Regina Campus cohort has become the first group of physicians to complete all four years of their undergraduate medical education entirely in the Queen City.
Previously, students spent their first year of medical school in Saskatoon before relocating to Regina for the remaining three years. This changed in August 2022 when the college expanded its program, launching a fully localized, four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program based out of the Regina General Hospital.
The graduation of the Class of 2026 Regina cohort marks the successful realization of that long-term vision.
Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD), dean of USask’s College of Medicine, emphasized the far-reaching impact of this achievement for both the university and the province.
"This is a wonderful milestone for the College of Medicine, and the people of the province," said Forgie. "As the first class to graduate from the College of Medicine in Regina, these students have helped to shape the collegial campus culture and, for many of them, learn close to home.”
“I look forward to seeing the impact our students will have as physicians through the care they provide, the discoveries they help advance, the communities they serve, and the relationships they build with colleagues throughout Saskatchewan and beyond."
A Culture of Ownership and Immersive Learning
Throughout their four-year journey, the Class of 2026 trained with local health-care teams, gaining hands-on clinical exposure early in their education. Learners benefited from an intimate, highly supportive environment at the Regina General Hospital, complete with access to a fully equipped anatomy lab, the Dilawri Simulation Centre, and specialized local faculty.
For the students who are a part of this milestone class, the collaborative atmosphere between the administration and the MD class defined their undergraduate experience.
"It’s a huge honour to be the first class to go through the four years because we could clearly see the faculty and staff involved worked incredibly hard to make Regina Campus so great," said Regina graduate Tyler Ochitwa. "They welcomed us with excitement which had a positive impact. Also, the Regina Campus staff really included us in trying to make the experience even better and valued our opinions, which gave us a feeling of ownership in helping to make it even better."
As fellow Regina graduate, Sarah Bains reflected on her time at the Regina campus, she was most surprised by the growth she saw in herself not only as a learner and future professional, but also as a person.
“All of this I attribute to the smaller cohort size,” she said. “I was able to develop such tight-knit bonds with my classmates, all of whom I’ve come to see as part of my extended family. I also worked alongside faculty in a far more hands-on capacity than perhaps the average medical student.”
Sarah added that navigating clerkship at the Regina campus was rigorous, demanding, and challenging, but it made her feel more prepared heading into residency knowing these experiences will serve her well.
Honouring Leadership and Growth
The successful growth of the campus relies heavily on strong academic leadership and a dedicated network of local educators. Dr. Gill White (MD), Associate Dean of the Regina Campus and Interim Vice-Dean, Education, noted that this milestone reflects years of strategic development.
"It's a reflection of how we have stepped up to educate medical students here in Regina and in this unique hospital setting," said Dr. White. "I'd like to acknowledge our former dean, Dr. Preston Smith (MD) for his support as we navigated through the early days of the Regina Campus, and to UGME Associate Dean, Dr. Meredith McKague (MD) as well. I'd also like to thank our teachers, faculty and staff for their continued hard work and commitment to our campus every day."
Dean Forgie also shared her gratitude for the local leadership team. "I would like to say a huge thank you to Dr. Gill White and the staff and faculty at the Regina Campus for their passion and commitment to creating a learning environment for these students to be successful!"
Local Impact
The success of this first fully localized cohort is already making a measurable difference for the province. While many from the Regina campus Class of 2026 have secured residency placements at institutions across the country, several will remain in Regina to complete their postgraduate training, continuing to serve the community that supported them.
As the Class of 2026 Regina cohort advances in their medical journeys, the path they trailblazed for those who follow in their footsteps establishes the Regina Campus as a critical piece of both the college and Saskatchewan’s medical future.
-Submitted by University of Saskatchewan media relations
