NOSM University Celebrates Inaugural Convocation

Canada’s first independent medical university celebrates a historic milestone on Friday, May 26, 2023, when it graduates its first class since being proclaimed NOSM University. With its new status, NOSM University became empowered to grant degrees that in the past came under the auspices of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities.“Our new graduates bring a great deal of pride to our institution,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “They bring knowledge, compassion, and a dedication to health equity, and they are now ready to help others live in good health and with dignity. I am honoured to welcome them to the profession.”

To add to this momentous day, renowned Indigenous child rights activist Dr. Cindy Blackstock is installed as NOSM University’s inaugural Chancellor. “Her tenacious, inspirational leadership and steadfast moral courage set the tone for us as Canada’s first independent medical university, and the only such institution in the country established with an explicit social accountability mandate,” says Dr. Verma.

Sixty-four newly-minted MDs will walk the stage at graduation, including eight Indigenous MDs and eight Francophone MDs. These newest alumni will bring the total number of NOSM University’s MD graduates to 902, of whom 73 are Indigenous and 179 are Francophone.

NOSM University is steadily contributing to the physician workforce supply in Northern, rural, and remote communities. With its upcoming expansion, NOSM University continues to provide answers to solving health care shortages in our region.