Investing in the North: Bursaries change students’ lives

When fourth-year medical student Cynthia Larche thinks about her journey at NOSM University, one thing stands out: she couldn’t have done it alone.

As a medical student, Cynthia has had the opportunity to learn in communities across Northern Ontario, including completing her third-year placement where she grew up. “It was really special to do a placement in Timmins—my hometown,” she shares. “In every community, I’ve had really great one-to-one learning experiences.”

“I developed an interest in medicine after doing a high school co-op placement at the Timmins and District Hospital,” Cynthia says. “Like many at NOSM University, I pursued more than one degree prior to medical school and found NOSM University to be where many with unconventional trajectories end up.”

Cynthia says she knew NOSM University was famous for preparing people very well to have good experiences and skill sets by the time they graduate. “We are not competing with fellows and as many residents, as is the case in larger cities. I really appreciated that about this program,” says Cynthia.

But along with those opportunities come extra challenges. NOSM University students often have more expenses than just tuition and textbooks. They travel more for their education, attend specialized conferences, undertake research, and cover hidden costs like additional learning resources.

For Cynthia, who hopes to pursue ophthalmology—a specialty in high demand across the North—those costs added up quickly.

That’s where bursaries made a difference.

“Receiving the General Bursary meant a lot to me,” Cynthia says. “It took away the stress of figuring out how to pay for things like conferences and exam prep resources. It gave me the confidence to invest in opportunities that made me a stronger medical student. That kind of support isn’t just financial—it’s empowering.”

Cynthia is a first-generation medical student and admits that the cost of medical school once felt overwhelming. “I came to medical school with debt from two previous degrees, as some do when they start medical school,” she says. “It was really nice to have the financial comfort to invest in pursuing ophthalmology in the ways I felt I needed to.”

Having the support from generous donors across the North reminded her that she wasn’t in it alone. “People are creating bursaries and investing in students like me. That investment comes back to the North when we graduate and practise here. It’s meaningful to feel that connection with donors.”

For donors, that connection is powerful too. Cynthia has seen firsthand how support inspires gratitude and commitment in students. “Every bit of help makes a difference. It doesn’t just lower our debt—it gives us the freedom to focus on becoming the kind of doctors Northern Ontario needs.”

Cynthia plans to practise in family medicine or ophthalmology in the North. With only ten ophthalmologists serving all of Northern Ontario, she knows the need is great—and she wants to be part of the solution.

“Throughout my time at NOSM University, I’ve met a few donors. Whether it’s the Rotary Club or someone’s grandmother, it’s so heartwarming. They are the reason I have less debt and less stress. And one day, I’ll pay that forward in the communities I serve,” says Cynthia.

Because of bursaries, students like Cynthia can dream big, work hard, and bring better health care to the North. “Investing in NOSM University medical students through donations helps more Northerners learn and practice here. The financial support is really appreciated. It’s more than just relieving my mind; it’s also building gratitude in people like me, and it’s pushing me to stay and give back to the community too,” she says.

Donations to NOSM University General Bursary can be made online through the University’s Website or by contacting NOSM University’s Advancement Office at advancementcoordinator@nosm.ca.