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NOSM University holds first Board of Governors meeting

Posted on April 8, 2022

Transition board affirms mission, vision and values

NOSM University held a transition board of governors meeting on April 5, 2022—its first since becoming an independent university.

The NOSM University Transition Board of Governors was confirmed, comprised of 16 members who reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of Northern Ontario, including Indigenous, Francophone, and rural and remote communities. Mrs. Joy Warkentin is confirmed as Chair of the transition Board of Governors and Mr. Mark Hurst as Vice-Chair. The transition board is in place until April 1, 2023.

Mrs. Warkentin is passionate about leadership and service. She was educated first as a nurse and then as an educator, holding a degree in sociology and a Master of Education in curriculum development. Mrs. Warkentin taught nursing, became Chair of Health Sciences and then Associate Dean Academic at Confederation College. After relocating to London, Ontario, she was the Senior Vice President at Fanshawe College from 2000 to 2009. Mrs. Warkentin has received many awards and accolades for her dedicated contributions.

Mr. Hurst is Past President and CEO North Bay Regional Health Care. Beginning his post-secondary education at Glendon College at York University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history and a minor in French. Mr. Hurst later earned a post-graduate diploma in hospital administration from the University of Toronto. Mr. Hurst played a significant leadership role in the merger of North Bay Civic Hospital and St. Joseph’s General Hospital in 1995, and became President and CEO of the newly consolidated North Bay General Hospital at that time.

The first order of business as a new Board of Governors was to ratify the NOSM University By-law No. 1 and reaffirm NOSM University’s mission, vision and values which remain as defined in the strategic plan, The NOSM Challenge 2025. The financial statements for January 31, 2022 as presented by the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee were approved.

“This was a meeting that will certainly be marked in our history,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “The energy was electric as we moved through many important items that will kick start this new chapter. Our mission to improve the health of Northern Ontarians by being socially accountable in our education and research programs and advocating for health equity is as important as ever.”

Dr. Verma reported on the progress made in 2021, which is closely tied to the work underway to achieve the outcomes of its strategic plan.

More information about the NOSM University Board of Governors can be found on the NOSM University website.

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About NOSM University

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the peoples of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

 

Facts about NOSM University: 

  • NOSM University has produced 780 MDs, 55 of whom self-identify as Indigenous, and 165 of whom self-identify as Francophone. In addition, 692 residents have completed NOSM programs. More than half of these health practitioners have stayed in Northern Ontario.
  • Now that the legislation is proclaimed in force, NOSM University will form a new Board of Governors and a Senate.
  • NOSM University has partnerships and collaborations with more than 500 organizations, 90+ communities, and more than 1,800 clinical, human and medical sciences faculty dispersed across all of Northern Ontario.
  • NOSM University is the first medical university in Canada with a dedicated Centre for Social Accountability.
  • NOSM University is a signatory to the Okanagan Charter, an international charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges.