NOSM University Marks a Historic 2025 Convocation

NOSM University proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary with a convocation season filled with milestones and meaning. In ceremonies held in Thunder Bay on May 23 and in Sudbury on May 30, 2025, the University conferred its 1,000th MD degree, while honouring the achievements of 69 new physicians, and 1 Masters of Medical Studies graduate.

Marking another historic moment, Dr. Michael Green was officially installed as the second President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO since NOSM University became Canada’s only independent medical university in 2022. Presiding over the ceremonies was Dr. Cindy Blackstock, NOSM University’s inaugural Chancellor and renowned advocate for Indigenous child and family rights. Her leadership reflects NOSM University’s deep and enduring commitment to social accountability and reconciliation.

Both ceremonies opened with Nsidwaamjigan, the ceremonial object introduced in 2023 and now a symbol of honour, healing, and interconnectedness.

“In a year of such historic significance, it’s an extraordinary privilege to join NOSM University,” says Dr. Green. “To witness these new physicians courageously step into their roles as leaders and innovators in health care—many returning to serve the Northern communities they call home — is both inspiring and deeply affirming. These new physicians embody the spirit and mission of NOSM University and will go on to make a profound impact.”

With this year’s additions, NOSM University’s alumni community has grown to include 1,041 MD graduates, of whom 92 identify as Indigenous and 214 as Francophone. A remarkable 34 of this year’s MD graduates matched to family medicine, representing 49% of all MD graduates, and reaffirming NOSM University’s leadership in addressing primary care gaps that exist in primary care for remote, rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities.

Since 2009, when the first MDs and Family Medicine residents completed their training, NOSM University has played a vital role in growing and sustaining Northern Ontario’s physician workforce. As of January 2025:

• 683 physicians have completed Family Medicine residency through NOSM University, with 60% choosing to stay and practise in the North.
• For graduates who complete both their undergraduate and postgraduate training through NOSM University, 90% have stayed to practise in the North.
• 53% of NOSM University graduates select Family Medicine, compared to a national average of 38%.

As NOSM University celebrates 20 years of transformative medical education, convocation offers a moment to reflect on the institution’s enduring success and unwavering mission. Since its inception, NOSM University has been firmly rooted in the principles of social accountability, health equity, and improving access to health services across Northern Ontario. Each graduating class strengthens that legacy as these exceptional graduates go on to provide care across the region and beyond.

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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 people 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.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca.