Connecting Across the North

Autumn is well underway, and it’s been a busy few months at NOSM University. Our students and residents are settling into their learning; our faculty and staff are supporting another academic year, and there is plenty happening across Northern Ontario.

I’ve also had the opportunity to spend time in several Northern Ontario communities, meet with colleagues and partners, and take part in some great events. It’s always a pleasure to connect with people and hear about the work happening across the North.

Time well spent in Northern communities

In September, I had the opportunity to spend time in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Fort Frances and Atikokan. Spending time where our students, graduates, and faculty learn and practise helps me better understand the relationships that support their work and the realities of delivering care in each community. It also gives me a chance to see our medical education model in action, hear what is working well and support the people teaching, learning and caring for patients across the North.

Throughout these visits I was able to hear about the contributions of NOSM University graduates practising across the region, the importance of preparing physician with a broad range of skills needed in rural medicine, and growth in medical student and resident placements. It was particularly encouraging to see our graduates taking on leadership roles and helping train the next generation of Northern physicians.

I also had the pleasure of attending the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) Annual General Meeting, where I gave a presentation on our partnership and the important role First Nations communities play in medical education. We talked about our ongoing work in Indigenous health education, our new Strategic Plan, Rooted in the North 2026-2030, and opportunities to strengthen our relationships and support First Nations-led health priorities. One of the things I shared was that 17 of the 33 First Nations communities served by SLFNHA have hosted NOSM University learners.

We also heard about the tragic loss of a young woman and the challenges she faced accessing medical transportation for follow-up care. Her story was a heartbreaking reminder of the barriers people in remote communities can face when seeking essential health services. We will continue working alongside SLFNHA and First Nations partners to support improved access to health care and better outcomes for the communities they serve.

It is clear to see the dedication of our faculty, preceptors, and community partners across the region. Their willingness to teach, mentor and welcome learners is what makes NOSM University so unique and special. I am grateful for the warm welcome and candid conversations, and I look forward to spending more time in our Northern communities.

Sharing our story and celebrating our colleagues

On October 21, TVO’s The Rundown aired an interview I did about NOSM University and the realities of health care in Northern Ontario.

We talked about physician shortages, the challenges of rural and remote medicine, and why training doctors in Northern communities is so important. It was a great opportunity to share our story and explain how NOSM University is helping build a stronger health workforce for the North.

We talked about physician shortages, the challenges of rural and remote medicine, and why training doctors in Northern communities is so important. It was a great opportunity to share our story and explain how NOSM University is helping build a stronger health workforce for the North.

It was also wonderful to connect with colleagues at the Ontario College of Family Physicians awards celebration and the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit’s (OSSU) Research Day. Both events were opportunities to recognize the people making a difference in patient care, medical education and research.

I always enjoy these gatherings. They are a reminder of how much talent, commitment and good work is happening across Northern Ontario.

Working with our municipalities

Ontario’s municipal elections took place on October 26, and I want to congratulate the newly elected and returning mayors and councillors across Northern Ontario. I also want to thank those who have served their communities.

Municipalities are important partners for NOSM University. They help welcome learners, support physician recruitment and connect us with the people and organizations working to improve health care locally.

Over the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to municipal leaders across the North to introduce ourselves, share what is happening at NOSM University and talk about how we can work together.

When communities have access to health care, they are better places to live, work and raise families. We share that goal with our municipal partners, and I look forward to continuing to build those relationships.

Looking ahead

As our students and residents move further into the academic year, many are gaining valuable experience in hospitals, clinics and communities across the North. These experiences help them develop their skills, make connections and better understand the communities they may one day call home.

At the same time, NOSM University is continuing to grow. We are expanding medical student admissions and residency positions, strengthening our partnerships and putting our new Strategic Plan, Rooted in the North 2026-2030, into action.

By 2028–29, we are working toward increasing our annual medical student admissions from 64 to 108 and first-year residency positions from 60 to 123. That is significant growth, and it will take continued collaboration with our faculty, staff and community partners to make it happen.

The goal is simple: train more physicians who understand Northern Ontario and are prepared to practise here.

As we head toward the end of the year, I want to thank everyone who continues to support our learners and our university. Whether you are teaching, providing care, conducting research or welcoming students into your community, you are making a difference.

There is a lot to look forward to, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together.

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.

Subscribe to Northern Routes