Strengthening Northern Roots: Research, Residency, and Renewal

As July concludes and we look to August, this is an opportune moment to reflect on recent accomplishments and set our sights on the academic year to come. NOSM University continues to grow in both scope and impact, and the activities of the past month have reinforced our commitment to excellence in socially accountable health education and research across Northern Ontario.

Northern Health Research Conference Marks 20 Years of Impact

In June, the Northern Health Research Conference commemorated its 20th anniversary in Thunder Bay. This significant milestone brought together over 155 researchers, learners, faculty and staff from across the region to share emerging knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance research that directly addresses the health challenges of Northern Ontario.

Keynote presentations and research posters showcased a broad spectrum of innovation, including a compelling presentation by Dr. Kristen Morin on the opioid crisis in the context of Northern Ontario, identifying the effectiveness of opioid agonist therapy, harm reduction, and promoting compassion for individuals with opioid use disorder. All NHRC content is now available on NOSM University’s YouTube channel @nosmtv. 

Congratulations to this year’s student award recipients. Your achievements reflect the caliber of research excellence and social accountability that defines the NOSM University environment. 

Welcoming the Next Generation of Resident Physicians

Summer marks a time of remarkable change for the many residents across the North entering the next phase of their medical education. To all residents who have joined NOSM University, I extend a warm welcome. Your decision to train in Northern Ontario speaks volumes about your commitment to addressing health equity and delivering care in underserved communities. 

Residency is a period of intensive professional and personal growth. While the challenges are real, the opportunity to make a measurable difference in people’s lives is equally significant. Whether you completed your MD degrees at NOSM University or are joining us from another institution, you are part of a growing network of health professionals committed to improving care in the North. 

Recognizing Graduates of the Dietetic Practicum Program

In late July, we honoured graduates from the Dietetic Practicum Program. These graduates have trained in diverse communities across the region, going above and beyond to support the needs of Northerners in a way that is person-centered, culturally relevant, accessible, and thoughtful. Their success reflected not only their own determination and skill but also the guidance and support of the preceptors, faculty and staff who contributed to their training. To all involved, thank you for advancing interprofessional education and for strengthening the health system in our region.

CampMed 2025: Investing in Future Health Leaders

This year’s CampMed program welcomed high-school students from across Northern Ontario to explore careers in health care through experiential learning and mentorship. Over the two weeks of camp, each group of campers (in Sudbury and in Thunder Bay respectively) engaged in clinical skills workshops including a Francophone health-focussed session, Indigenous cultural activities, and interdisciplinary learning with professionals in dietetics, physiotherapy, nursing, and medicine. 

Initiatives like CampMed demonstrate NOSM University’s long-term commitment to early outreach and capacity-building within Northern, Francophone and Indigenous communities. I would like to acknowledge the many faculty members, learners, staff and volunteers who made this year’s program a success. Your efforts are helping to shape the health leaders of tomorrow. 

Strategic Planning Update: Thank You for Your Input

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent survey and consultations as part of NOSM University’s strategic planning process. Your thoughtful feedback on our vision, mission, values, and emerging priorities for the next five years is helping to shape a focused Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.

To date, we have engaged with 720+ individuals, held 24 consultation events, and visited more than 18 communities, along with 22 one-on-one interviews. The survey is now closed, and we are in the process of analyzing your insights to refine the strategic pillars and directions that will guide our path forward.

Next steps include additional workshops and a second survey to validate the direction and confirm what we have heard. These activities will take place between August and early October.

Thank you again for your engagement and continued support. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the next phase of this important work.

Looking Ahead

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and finding time to relax and recharge. Northern Ontario is truly at its best this time of year, and I’ve been taking full advantage—kayaking on Lake Nepahwin, walking the trails in Bell Park, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sleeping Giant and Kakabeka Falls. Whether you’re discovering new spots or revisiting old favourites, I encourage you to get outside and soak up all the beauty this season has to offer.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO
If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

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Join us during Orientation Week

NOSM University’s 2025 Orientation Week is right around the corner! This week-long campus wide event is designed to welcome our incoming learners as they transition into being proud members of the NOSM University community. With a mix of interactive sessions, community engagement, and team-building activities, new students will be introduced to the principles that guide learning at NOSM University—collaboration, respect, equity, and a deep commitment to improving health in Northern Ontario and beyond.

Orientation Week also offers meaningful opportunities for faculty and staff to meet the incoming class, foster early connections, and begin building the supportive relationships that define the NOSM University experience. Whether you’re a learner, educator, or staff member, this week sets the tone for a year of collaboration, growth, and community. For more information on the activities that will be taking place, please visit the 2025 Orientation Week webpage.