Fifteenth Annual NOSM University Conference Celebrates Outstanding Contributions to Health Professions Education

Top honours for teaching, research, and community contributions were awarded to Northern Ontario health-care professionals and learners during NOSM University’s Northern Constellations conference on April 30 and May 1. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Northern Constellations is Northern Ontario’s premier conference for faculty and preceptor development.

Ceremonies recognized 11 faculty, three learners, two alumni, and one honorary alumnus who have each demonstrated exemplary service and commitment to health care, medical education, and research in Northern Ontario. Recipients are honoured for advancing NOSM University’s mission by strengthening Northern communities and health systems through socially accountable medical education and research.

In addition, 22 faculty promotions celebrated significant contributions to NOSM University, research communities, and health-care professions. Promotions recognize effective and innovative teaching, research and knowledge sharing, committee and service contributions, and leadership in university, hospital, and professional organizations.

“Every day, I see the impact of our mission in the faculty who lead with purpose, the learners who choose to train here, and the alumni who live NOSM University’s values. The leadership and commitment of these award recipients and promoted faculty make a difference in bringing quality and equitable health care to Northern Ontarians,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University.

Faculty awards

• Physician Clinical Teachers’ Association Leadership Award: Dr. Sean Sullivan, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury
• Academic Leader Award: Dr. Erin Cameron, Professor, Thunder Bay
• Academic Leader Award: Dr. Simon Lees, Professor, Thunder Bay
• Clinical Scholar Award: Dr. Mohammed Shurrab, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury
• Medical Educator Award: Dr. Sarah Clark, Associate Professor, Thunder Bay
• Medical Educator Award: Dr. Neelam Khaper, Professor, Thunder Bay
• Clinical Teacher Award: Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova, Associate Professor, Sault Ste. Marie
• Scholar Award: Dr. Christopher Thome, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury
• Community Champion Award: Dr. Mary Grise, Assistant Professor, North Bay
• Faculty Mentorship Award: Dr. Frances Kilbertus, Associate Professor, Mindemoya

Learner awards

• Learner Advocate/Leader: Chelsey Pilon, medical student, Greater Sudbury
• Learner Scholarly Activity: Dr. Chidubem Okechukwu, medical resident, Greater Sudbury
• Learner Peer Teaching: Mustafa Alzahran, medical student, Greater Sudbury
• Learner-Nominated Teacher Award: Dr. Stephanie Sbrocchi, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury

Alumni awards

• Rising Star Award: Dr. Sarah Habinski (MD 2018, Psychiatry 2024), Clinical Lecturer, Thunder Bay
• Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award: Dr. Nicole Zavagnin (MD 2009, Family Medicine, 2011), Associate Professor, Thunder Bay
• Honorary Alumni Award: Dr. Roger Strasser, Founding Dean Emeritus

Promotions

• Dr. Jaro Kotalik, Professor Emeritus
• Dr. Amadeo Parissenti, Professor Emeritus
• Dr. Olexiy Aseyev, Professor
• Dr. Lucas Castellani, Associate Professor
• Dr. Caitlin Champion, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jose de Wit, Associate Professor
• Dr. Philip George, Associate Professor
• Dr. Jennifer Jocko, Associate Professor
• Dr. Katie Kauffeldt, Associate Professor
• Dr. Adrienne Kelly, Associate Professor
• Dr. Yuvaraj Kotteeswaran, Associate Professor
• Dr. Grace Ma, Associate Professor
• Dr. Travis Marion, Associate Professor
• Dr. Teresa Marsh, Associate Professor
• Dr. Azadeh Mofid, Associate Professor
• Dr. Tara Oliver, Associate Professor
• Dr. Stefano Priola, Associate Professor
• Dr. Owen Prowse, Associate Professor
• Dr. Carly Pulkkinen, Associate Professor
• Ms. Sheila Renton, Associate Professor
• Dr. Arianne St. Jacques, Associate Professor
• Dr. Aidan Wharton, Associate Professor

For more information, please visit celebrate.nosm.ca.

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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.