A disruptive pandemic. The emergence of web-based meetings. The loss of physical contact. A shortage of ventilators. A new vocabulary—pivot, PPE, masking, lockdown, red zone, variants…

The pandemic has forced us to change, adjust and innovate to a point where transformation is no longer an option, it is a necessity. Despite the struggles amid the complexities that we have experienced this year, sustainable change is within reach. We have seen how new technologies are increasing the speed of discovery and collaboration. And although machines are enabling digital innovation, the main driver of it is people. Exceptionally talented and driven people who challenge the status quo and the ways in which we do our work in order to achieve greater impact. Leaders of today must recognize and embrace this new reality or run the risk of becoming irrelevant.

The transition to new technologies requires unique skills, and new ways of working and thinking. With that comes diversity in our workforce that will help spark exciting new opportunities to address longstanding issues in meeting our mandate.

In NOSM’s strategic plan, The NOSM Challenge 2025, the School commits to making strategic investments in our people, resources and infrastructure by living the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion; encouraging creativity; supporting the well-being of the NOSM community; rewarding leadership; and, eliminating bureaucracy.

As diversity breeds innovation, inclusion is a critical element in being able to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Diversity and inclusion both help organizations get access to the in-demand skills they need, and to allow them to benefit.

Resistance to change, on the other hand, is one of the most significant deterrents to achieving innovation. I know that change is not easy for everyone, it makes people feel like they are losing control, but look at the changes we have pushed through this year despite adversity. Take a look at the Dean’s Report and our progress on the strategic plan.

As we experience some of the major transitions underway in medical education, seismic shifts with Laurentian’s restructuring and managing the prospect of a change for NOSM to NOSM U, successful change management is more important than ever. My commitment to you is that as we move through these changes as an organization, we will following these four principles:

1. Understand Change;
2. Collaboratively Plan Change;
3. Communicate Change; and,
4. Measure Change.

We will apply these principles in our everyday work at NOSM, from managing new pathways to education to curricular reform and planning for the expansion of our MD program.

“When you are finished changing, you are finished.” Benjamin Franklin

We, at NOSM, like rapidly progressing health care and technology, will keep changing. We are far from being finished. We have only just begun. We are adjusting and growing and being part of an evolutionary metamorphosis that will prepare us for the future. And one that is deeply committed to you, to learners, staff, faculty, community and most importantly to the health of Northern Ontarians.

Join us and embrace the amazing resilience and our ability to change that has come about from the pandemic. Become part of the future at NOSM.

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Congratulations to NOSM’s graduating class

On Tuesday, June 1 and Monday, June 7, the NOSM’s fourth-year medical students become doctors! The virtual celebrations include recitation of the Physician Oath and a new White Coat Ceremony. This is such an exciting time for all, particularly the graduands’ and their families and friends. Best wishes for your continued success as residents. Keep an eye on NOSM’s social media in coming weeks. We will be sharing a few grad profiles.

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NOSM’s award winning Communications team

NOSM’s Communications team and Launchfire, a leader in game-based marketing programs, win a 2021 Communicator Award in the category of Individual-Contests & Promotions for their online advertising and marketing work in creating The NOSM Trivia Challenge. The trivia game asked questions on health equity in Northern Ontario and Indigenous and Francophone health, all in support of creating access to equitable health care in the region. Read more.

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Reminder: NOSM’s Job Fair next week

Register now for NOSM’s first job fair for medical learners and their partners/spouses. Together, take this opportunity to visit with communities across the North. Connect with Hayley Harlock founder of The Flipside Life, preparing spouses and partners of medical learners transitioning to practice. Join us online from May 26 to May 27, 2021 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register.