In the Spotlight
Improving mental health for marginalized populations in Northern Ontario
Dr. Hiba Al-Bayati is a student of the NOSM Master of Medical Studies (MMS) program researching northern mental health care for marginalized populations, with a focus on women’s mental health for immigrants living in Northern Ontario. Her research topic will focus on the “Impact of social determinants of health on behavioural changes in rural areas.” “As an immigrant, I want to advocate for the best approaches to care. There is an important focus on our mental health right now and this research will focus on how marginalized people access care and cope with all the challenges that come with being a newcomer and living in com...
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Healing and food systems
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is helping convene a cohort of community members, health care providers and researchers to discuss and examine the relationship between health, healing and food, and community-based food systems. NOSM is one of only seven sites across the country to be selected as an “anchor,” of the national Nourish Health Care Collaborative. The Nourish Collaborative seeks “to tackle interconnected challenges such as health inequity, food insecurity, diet-related chronic disease, and the impacts of climate change.” The Northern Ontario cohort is convening three communities of practice in Norther...
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A Prescription for burnout
NOSM is a pioneer in prioritizing mental health and wellbeing by offering mindful self-compassion training to learners and faculty. Doctors in the North, stretched thin prior to the pandemic, are reaching out for help as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “Yes, I’m good at caring for patients, but not good at taking care of myself and I feel completely overwhelmed,” writes a remote family physician registering for the training. It’s an all-too-common scenario across Northern Ontario right now. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is leading the way in learner and faculty wellness in Canada in providing self-compassi...
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