Postgraduate medical residents need your support

As new residents begin their training with NOSM University in communities across Northern Ontario—many for the first time—they face unique challenges. In response, the NOSM University General Postgraduate Bursary was established in 2024 to support residents with the rising cost of living and the demands of residency. Your support ensures these future physicians can focus on learning and caring for Northern Ontarians.  

Residents are doctors who have finished medical school and are now training in a specialty while working under the supervision of a licensed physician. Dr. Marina Caroline Cardinez is a third-year family medicine resident with a focus on mental health in Sault Ste. Marie. She received a bursary for family medicine residents in 2024 and 2025, which she says impacted her positively, both professionally and personally.  

“On a personal level, residency is an incredibly demanding time, and the financial pressures can be significant. The bursary helps alleviate some worry and focus more fully on training rather than worrying about day-to-day expenses—especially with the added costs of relocating to Sault Ste. Marie,” Dr. Cardinez said. In addition, the bursary also helps with professional development expenses, including attending the annual Family Medicine Conference and paying for medical licensing exams. Dr. Cardinez adds that the bursary helps her, and other residents, feel supported and valued.  

“With the growing cost of living expenses, this financial assistance is deeply appreciated,” Dr. Cardinez said. “It helps residents manage essential expenses and start our careers in a more comfortable and encouraging environment.”  

In 2020, Dr. Cardinez came to Canada from Trinadad and Tobago, as an international medical graduate. After some internships and hospital work experience in both Toronto and Calgary, she applied to NOSM University. Drawn in by NOSM University’s strong commitment to social accountability, health equity, and rural health care, Dr. Cardinez shares a passion for public health research and a commitment to underserved communities.   

She says the program, life in Sault Ste. Marie—and Northern Ontario more broadly—has been an amazing experience. “While it doesn’t have all the convivences of a big city, you have much better work-life balance and coming to NOSM University is a great way to see all that Northern Ontario has to offer,” Dr. Cardinez said. Upon completion of her residency program, Dr. Cardinez plans to open a family medicine practice, with a focus on mental health, in Sault Ste. Marie.  

With donor support, more residents can be empowered and sustained on their journey to becoming fully licensed physicians.  

Donate today to the NOSM University General Postgraduate Bursary.