Francophone Features

NOSM student from Timmins aspires to be a hometown doctor

Sébastien Labelle is a second year Francophone medical student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). He holds an undergraduate degree in biomedical science from the University of Ottawa, where he studied solely in French. “I was a little nervous about coming to NOSM to study in English for the first time, but I have been very well supported here,” Sébastien says. “The Francophone Affairs team at NOSM, specifically Danielle Barbeau-Rodrigue and Laïla Faivre, have been a great support and have ensured I can secure placements in French.” Sébastien says he is inspired by his family—his uncle, who is a surgeon...

Francophone NOSM graduate returns to her hometown of Hearst

Dr. Shyanne Fournier, a Francophone graduate of NOSM’s MD Class of 2021, couldn’t be happier about returning to her community of Hearst to start her residency in family medicine. “It’s very exciting, I will practise entirely in French. A lot of our class always wanted to go home to practise in our communities,” says Shyanne. “I’ve already had the opportunity to work with preceptors here in Hearst who are also NOSM alumni. I recognize how fortunate I am.” She recalls her early pre-med university courses and the challenge of initially getting into medical school. “I always wanted to be a doctor. In my first year of my ...

Cultural diversity and Operation Remote Immunity were highlights of Francophone graduates’ NOSM experience

Dr. Dominique Lachapelle, a Francophone graduate of NOSM’s MD Class of 2021, says lessons in resilience and collaboration will serve her well in future. “Medical school was challenging. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, learn from community placements, mentors and explore the rich cultural diversity of Northern Ontario,” she says. This winter Dominique volunteered with Operation Remote Immunity, which she describes as a highlight of her medical school experience. She assisted with the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in North Spirit Lake, Kashechewan, and Attawapiskat and was able to get credit for an elect...