Northern Routes

Demonstrating impact and leading for change

Foremost on in our minds these days is the filing for court protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) by Laurentian University. Many of you, our friends and partners, have expressed concern for NOSM and the effect this may have on us. As NOSM’s degree-granting institutions, both Laurentian University and Lakehead University hold endowments, tuition and research funds for our School. These are complex relationships that I am managing with Ray Hunt, Chief Operating Officer, Grace Vita, Director of Risk Management, and our legal counsel. We are working collaboratively to ensure our assets are protected. NOSM is...

Winter is here with purpose.

A truly powerful purpose statement is one that achieves two objectives: it must clearly articulate strategic goals and it must motivate the workforce. These objectives are equally important, both individually and synergistically. That is to say, when we understand and embrace our organization’s purpose, we’re inspired to do work that not only is good, but great. The NOSM mission is to improve the health of Northern Ontarians by being socially accountable in our education and research programs and advocating for health equity. This vision is the inspiration and motivation for the School’s new initiatives, including founding NOS...

The ‘Scopes’ of Academic Leadership

Microscope, Telescope, Stethoscope, Periscope and Kaleidoscope "The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” ~Amanda Gorman Watching Amanda Gorman’s delivery of The Hill We Climb during the historical American inauguration last week was awe inspiring. Hearing her say “the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always justice” had me thinking again about social justice. In my last blog I stressed the four essential principles of social justice: human rights, access, participation, and equity. The School recently ask...