Indigenous Stories

A compilation of photos of the three physicians. Dr. Alexa Lesperance, left, wears a colorful ribbon skirt and holds a drum. Dr. François Doiron, top right, hugs a goat. Dr. Justin Bell, bottom right, stands in front of a small red plane. Compilation de photos de trois médecins. La Dre Alexa Lesperance, à gauche, porte une jupe à rubans colorés et tient un tambour. Le Dr François Doiron, en haut à droite, tient une chèvre dans ses bras. Le Dr Justin Bell, en bas à droite, se tient devant un petit avion rouge.

Rural Physicians Fill Gaps in Gender-Affirming Care

A trio of physicians are stepping up to fill major gaps in the health-care system and improve access to gender-affirming care in Northern Ontario. Gender-affirming care can be difficult to access anywhere in Canada, but in rural Northwestern Ontario, patients may travel long distances for even routine health checks. Blazing a trail in health care for trans and gender-diverse patients are physicians Dr. Alexa Lesperance in Fort Frances, Dr. François Doiron in Dryden, and Dr. Justin Bell in Sioux Lookout—all NOSM University alumni and faculty, as well as members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community themselves. “Gender-affirming care is lif...

Read more about physicians who provide gender-affirming care.

A group of people pose in front of a mural in the Woodlands style.

NOSM University and Lakehead University Co-host Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada Gathering

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) hosted its 35th Annual Mentorship Gathering from June 4–7, 2026, in Thunder Bay (Animikii-Wiikwedong), on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation. Proudly cohosted by NOSM University and Lakehead University, this national Gathering brought together approximately 250 Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical students from across Canada. IPAC’s Annual Mentorship Gathering is a cornerstone event that strengthens community, fosters collaboration, and advances Indigenous health by connecting learners and physicians at all stages of their medical journeys. This is...

DPP Preceptor Sara Duchene-Milne Leading Change in Indigenous Health

Sara Duchene-Milne has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous health through care, education, and advocacy. When she became a Registered Dietitian (RD) in 2003, she was among fewer than ten Indigenous RDs in Canada. A valued and long-term preceptor for the NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP), Duchene-Milne recently took on two leadership roles, one nationally and one in her home community on Manitoulin Island. At Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, she has taken on a manager role as Team Lead of Diabetes Wellness and Nutrition Programs, while nationally, Duchene-Milne brings the unique needs and perspectives of Nor...