When Research Meets Patient Care: Two NOSM University Master of Medical Studies Learners Use Research to Drive Change

NOSM University Master of Medical Studies (MMS) learners Ethan Horner and Dr. Amal Osman come from different health-care backgrounds, but they enrolled in the MMS program for the same reason: to improve the patient care that they deliver.

“This program ensures safe and up-to-date care for my patients by providing a solid foundation for critically appraising and conducting research,” says Dr. Osman.

Horner, a lab technician, phlebotomist and aspiring future pulmonologist says, “NOSM University has helped prepare me to approach patient care with a strong evidence-based perspective. The MMS program has helped improve my research literacy, communication skills, and understanding of health systems. With these skills, I strive to serve Northern communities in medicine.”

The MMS program trains the next generation of health-care providers who are passionate about driving change through research. Learners become research leaders as they investigate complex health questions and put their findings into practice.

It’s rooted in the North, and that’s what makes this program stand out.

Dr. Osman studied Hepatitis C screening rates for at-risk infants in Thunder Bay, while Horner focused on gene mutations and occupational exposure in mining communities and their contribution to the progression of two lung diseases. Together, their work highlights the wide range of experiences across Northern Ontario.

“I chose NOSM University’s MMS program because its strong ties to Northern and rural learning ultimately align with my long-term goals in medicine,” says Horner. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of this program is the supportive academic environment and the opportunity to engage with faculty members who are dedicated to improving health outcomes in Northern Ontario.”

The program is designed for busy health professionals like Horner and Dr. Osman, who studied full-time while continuing their careers. Sudbury-based Horner chose the course-based stream, which is open to domestic and international students. Dr. Osman, a Thunder Bay-based international medical graduate who completed her medical degree at University of Medical Sciences and Technology in Sudan, enrolled in the thesis stream, which is open to domestic students.

“I had really enjoyed developing and conducting a research project for my medical school abroad, and thought this would be a good program to gain insight and practical knowledge about how research is conducted in Canada,” she says.

Horner and Dr. Osman give credit to NOSM University’s Northern roots and exceptional faculty for a positive academic experience that equipped them to conduct meaningful health research and transform it into practice.

“I was very fortunate to have wonderful supervisors, Dr. Naana Jumah and Dr. David Savage, who were incredibly supportive and helped guide me throughout the whole process,” Dr. Osman says. “The terrific faculty made all the difference for my studies.”