In the Spotlight
NOSM medical students’ second menstrual product drive supports Kingfisher Lake First Nation
Indigenous communities, particularly remotely located ones, are faced with numerous health inequities compared with urban settings. Last year, a partnership was announced between Shoppers Drug Mart and the Ontario Government to provide free menstrual products to provincially run school boards for the next three years. Regrettably, this private donation from Shoppers Drug Mart does not extend to federally-run Indigenous school boards. Ironically, menstrual products in Indigenous communities are significantly more expensive and difficult to find. This partnership further exacerbates the health inequities these communities face. Ashley P...
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Recognizing NOSM’s Black leaders during Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate Black culture and the many contributions made by Black leaders—learners, physicians, academics and staff—at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). The accounts of racism in medicine and the events of the past few years amplify the importance of the NOSM’s anti-racism movement. As a medical school, we are boldly implementing a culture of anti-racism at all levels of the School. NOSM remains committed to removing social and economic barriers to medical school for Black youth and is making tangible improvements to the admissions process, curricular reform and BIPOC-led ...
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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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