Indigenous Stories

NOSM and Associated Medical Services Announce Historic First: Research Chair in Indigenous Health and Traditional Medicine

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and Associated Medical Services (AMS) are pleased to announce the historic appointment of Dr. Darrel Manitowabi as the NOSM-AMS Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine for a five year renewable term effective July 1, 2020. “The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is deeply honoured to have Dr. Darrel Manitowabi take on this valuable position,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, NOSM Dean, President and CEO. “We are taking another major step in addressing how colonialism has affected the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities by no longer a...

NOSM Announces New Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion

Dr. Joseph LeBlanc has been appointed the School’s inaugural Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion, beginning July 1, 2020 for a five-year term. Dr. LeBlanc has been NOSM’s Director, Indigenous Affairs since October 15, 2018. Dr. LeBlanc is a life-long Northern Ontarian and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Before joining the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, he worked for a diverse range of organizations, including academic institutions, Indigenous organizations, charities, and non-profits. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Forest Conservation, an Environmental Management Certificate, and a PhD in ...

Alumni advice for avoiding burnout

Dr. Rebekah Neckoway, NOSM alumna (MD 2013), is no stranger to both the challenges and rewards of working in the North. Based in Sioux Lookout for work, she spends her time travelling to Northern fly-in communities where she is often one of the only physicians providing care. She’s practiced as far north as Fort Severn on the Hudson Bay coast. It’s a grueling schedule with a lot of travel, but Dr. Neckoway says the keys to achieving balance in her life are maintaining relationships and taking scheduled breaks. “I think the key to decompressing is chatting things through with people you trust,” she explains. “Sometimes it ...