Uncategorized

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...

NOSM University Graduates to Strengthen Health Care and Research

NOSM University honoured the achievements of 70 new Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates, and four Master of Medical Studies graduates at convocation ceremonies held in Thunder Bay on May 22 and Sudbury on May 29, 2026. These new MDs are stepping into the next chapter of their medical careers as resident doctors, where they will deepen their expertise, serve patients, and help shape the future of health care in communities across the North and beyond. Notably, 47% of graduates from this year’s class will specialize in family medicine, far exceeding the national average. NOSM University also celebrates this year’s Master of Medical...