Recruitment event for NOSM University medical learners aligns education with local needs

Physician recruiters from communities across Northern Ontario met with NOSM University medical learners on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, at an event designed to support physician recruitment in the North.  

The Northern Ontario Community Concierge and Connection Event, hosted in Sudbury, featured physician recruiters from more than 30 communities across Northern Ontario—from Hearst to Kenora. The inaugural event responded to community recruiters’ requests for a Northern Ontario–based forum to connect with NOSM University learners, providing space for communities to engage directly with the next generation of physicians. 

“When health workforce planning begins in partnership with local communities, medical education becomes more responsive and relevant to local needs,” says Dr. Sarah Newbery, Associate Dean of Physician Workforce Strategy, Professor, and Family Physician in Marathon. “Through NOSM University’s distributed model, learners already benefit from immersive training in diverse Northern practice environments. This event is a continuation of the University’s commitment to be socially accountable to Northern communities, and it helps align health workforce planning with education.” 

The program included a full day of professional development for community recruiters, with sessions on artificial intelligence in recruitment, effective use of social media, information about NOSM University’s graduates and medical education expansion, and lessons from international models such as the Attract–Connect–Stay framework from Australia.  

Medical students and residents at NOSM University had an opportunity to meet with community representatives and learn what communities across the North offer for future learning and work. “Bringing recruiters and learners together here in the North is essential,” says Mélanie Goulet, Recruitment Coordinator for Hearst. “Our communities face unique challenges, but they also offer incredible opportunities. This event allows us to highlight the rewarding careers and meaningful connections that can be built right here.” 

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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 

Available for interviews: 

• Mélanie Goulet, Recruitment Coordinator, Hearst 

• Owen Doerksen, Recruiter, Kenora and Northwestern Ontario 

• Brett Redden, Recruiter, Marathon 

• Dr. Sarah Newbery, Associate Dean, Physician Workforce Strategy, NOSM University, Marathon