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The Northern Ontario School of Medicine wants to hear from you!

As Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s (NOSM) 2015-2020 strategic plan draws to a close, it is time to design a new plan that ensures the School remains accountable to the needs of Northern Ontarians.

NOSM was established with an explicit social accountability mandate to improve the health of the people and communities of Northern Ontario. The School has made progress in its mandate to create access to quality health care for Northern Ontarians, but much more work is needed to make this a reality.

As NOSM embarks on a strategic planning process to inform the priorities for 2020-2025, they want to hear from you.  Be part of the conversation. Your community’s voice is highly valued.

Location Afternoon Session Evening Session
SUDBURY
Holiday Inn, 1696 Regent Street		 February 6, 2020
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.		 February 6, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
THUNDER BAY
Victoria Inn, 555 Arthur Street W		 February 12, 2020
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.		 February 11, 2020
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

RSVP online at http://bit.ly/NOSMstratplanPlease note that there will also be two French consultation sessions as follows:

Location Date et heure
SUDBURY
Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury, 19 rue Frood		 February 6, 2020
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
THUNDER BAY
Centre francophone, 284 rue Van Norman		 January 23, 2020
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

RSVP online at http://bit.ly/EMNOplanstrategiqueCommunity members are also invited to provide feedback by filling out an online survey at strategicplan.nosm.ca or by emailing your thoughts to strategicplan@nosm.ca.

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Overcoming barriers to safe opioid prescribing in the North


NOSM launches online learning module for primary care providers in Northern Ontario

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) has launched a new self-directed, interactive online learning module and community of practice workshops designed to improve the opioid prescribing practices of primary care providers in Northern Ontario.

In 2019, NOSM received $500,000 from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). SUAP is a federal contributions program delivered by Health Canada to provide financial support to provinces, territories, non-governmental organizations and key stakeholders to strengthen responses to drug and substance use issues in Canada.

The funding led to the development and launch of a uniquely Northern program for safer opioid prescribing. Best practices are being shared through the new online module for primary care providers in Northern Ontario and are accessible in two ways: 1) Self-directed interactive online learning module that encourages positive practice changes; 2) Communities of practice: facilitator-led, closed, small-group workshops with like-minded primary care providers who discuss real cases in a confidential setting.

The program takes into account the socioeconomic variables in Northern Ontario that differ from those seen in urban centres. It also offers best practice models of care unique to locations in the North where access to multidisciplinary programs may be limited.

“Opioid-related illness and death is having a significant impact in Northern Ontario. This has immediate relevance to primary care providers on both a professional and personal level,” said Dr. Deborah Smith, NOSM Assistant Professor. “It’s about equipping primary care providers with tools to use in their own practice setting, along with the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the barriers they face in safely prescribing opioids, which will ultimately improve long term health outcomes for their patients.”

Registration is now open only to primary care providers in Northern Ontario at nosm.ca/cepd.

NOSM University