Rooted in the North

Hello, Aanin, Boozhoo, Tanshi, Kwe Kwe, Bonjour,

After a year of planning, we are thrilled to unveil Rooted in the North, NOSM University’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.

For me, this moment is both exciting and deeply personal. Recently returning to Northern Ontario has brought me back to my roots and reminded me why this work matters so much.

Earlier in my career, I spent eight meaningful years practising as a family physician in Moose Factory and Kashechewan. In February, I had the opportunity to return to the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) to do some locum work. Being back was inspiring. I reconnected with many of the same colleagues and community members I had worked alongside years ago. Seeing familiar faces again, and witnessing the continued dedication of local health teams, reinforced just how deeply these communities value continuity, relationships, and trust in health care.

Experiences like that stay with you. They remind you how geography and workforce challenges shape people’s lives, but also how resilient Northern communities are and how much difference committed health-care professionals can make. Moments like that bring me back to my roots and reinforce the importance of NOSM University’s role in improving access to care across Northern Ontario.

As I travel across Northern Ontario and spend time in communities, I’m often reminded that NOSM University was never just an institution. It was a collective decision, a belief shared by people across this region that we could do something different. That if we trained health-care professionals in the North, for the North, we could improve health outcomes here.

Because the story of NOSM University has always been about people.

More than two decades ago, municipal leaders, health-care providers, Indigenous communities, Francophone advocates, educators, and families came together with a shared goal: to address the doctor shortage in Northern Ontario and create a medical school grounded in social accountability and community partnership.

They believed the North deserved a model built around its realities.

Today, we know that approach works.

More than 1040 physicians have graduated from NOSM University’s MD program, including 92 Indigenous and 214 Francophone doctors. More than 880 residents have completed postgraduate training here, and nearly 200 registered dietitians have graduated from our programs.

Most importantly, many of these health professionals are choosing to practise in Northern Ontario. More than half of our MD graduates are working in the North today.

Those numbers represent something real. Patients receiving care closer to home. Communities strengthening their health systems. Families travelling less distance to see a doctor.

Research is a vital part of NOSM University’s mission to improve health across Northern Ontario. Our work is grounded in the belief that research should address real-world challenges and support better care for patients and communities. That philosophy guides the work happening across the University today.

Our research focuses on Northern priorities. Our education takes place in communities across the region. And our partnerships connect learners, health systems, and communities in ways that strengthen the entire health ecosystem.

That spirit is at the heart of Rooted in the North.

This Strategic Plan builds on what we know works while preparing us for the future. Over the next five years we will expand programs to meet workforce needs, deepen partnerships with communities and health systems, and advance research that reflects Northern priorities. We will strengthen pathways for Indigenous learners, support community teaching sites and continue building the systems and infrastructure needed for long-term growth.

This plan was shaped by nearly 2,000 contributions from learners, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. That level of engagement reflects something important. NOSM University continues to belong to the North.

There is also a large group of people whose work helped bring this plan forward. The Board of Governors and Senate provided thoughtful guidance and strong support throughout the process. The Strategic Plan Steering Committee contributed significant time, expertise and dedication. Our Executive Sponsors brought leadership and energy to the development of each pillar. The Data Stewardship Office provided essential analysis and guidance, and the External Relations team brought it all together from extensive engagement, to shaping the narrative and supporting the overall planning process from start to finish.

The challenges facing Northern Ontario remain real. Health workforce shortages persist and communities continue to evolve. But we are building from a position of strength.

In just 20 years, NOSM University has transformed what is possible in medical education and health workforce development in Northern Ontario. Our graduates are strengthening communities. Our research is tackling Northern health challenges. Our partnerships continue to grow.

Rooted in the North is more than a strategy. It is a commitment to continue building a stronger and healthier North.

Whether you were part of the early conversations that helped create this university or joined us more recently, the next chapter belongs to all of us.

We are Rooted in the North. And together we will continue to grow stronger.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO
NOSM University

If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

• Link to Strategic Plan