Postgraduate medical residents need your support

Tuesday July 1st, 2025 Jason Lind

As new residents begin their training with NOSM University in communities across Northern Ontario—many for the first time—they face unique challenges. In response, the NOSM University General Postgraduate Bursary was established in 2024 to support residents with the rising cost of living and the demands of residency. Your support ensures these future physicians can focus on learning and caring for Northern Ontarians.

Marina Cardinez picture — Dr. Marina Caroline Cardinez

Residents are doctors who have finished medical school and are now training in a specialty while working under the supervision of a licensed physician. Dr. Marina Caroline Cardinez is a third-year family medicine resident with a focus on mental health in Sault Ste. Marie. She received a bursary for family medicine residents in 2024 and 2025, which she says impacted her positively, both professionally and personally.

“On a personal level, residency is an incredibly demanding time, and the financial pressures can be significant. The bursary helps alleviate some worry and focus more fully on training rather than worrying about day-to-day expenses—especially with the added costs of relocating to Sault Ste. Marie,” Dr. Cardinez said. In addition, the bursary also helps with professional development expenses, including attending the annual Family Medicine Conference and paying for medical licensing exams. Dr. Cardinez adds that the bursary helps her, and other residents, feel supported and valued.

“With the growing cost of living expenses, this financial assistance is deeply appreciated,” Dr. Cardinez said. “It helps residents manage essential expenses and start our careers in a more comfortable and encouraging environment.”

In 2020, Dr. Cardinez came to Canada from Trinadad and Tobago, as an international medical graduate. After some internships and hospital work experience in both Toronto and Calgary, she applied to NOSM University. Drawn in by NOSM University’s strong commitment to social accountability, health equity, and rural health care, Dr. Cardinez shares a passion for public health research and a commitment to underserved communities.

She says the program, life in Sault Ste. Marie—and Northern Ontario more broadly—has been an amazing experience. “While it doesn’t have all the convivences of a big city, you have much better work-life balance and coming to NOSM University is a great way to see all that Northern Ontario has to offer,” Dr. Cardinez said. Upon completion of her residency program, Dr. Cardinez plans to open a family medicine practice, with a focus on mental health, in Sault Ste. Marie.

With donor support, more residents can be empowered and sustained on their journey to becoming fully licensed physicians.

Donate today to the NOSM University General Postgraduate Bursary.

Northern Routes

Amplifying Impact: Celebrating achievement, touring Northern Ontario and shaping the future

Wednesday June 25th, 2025 Alexandra Poling

Much has happened since my last update, and it’s been an exciting time at NOSM University. From a pan-Northern tour to the fabulous Northern Constellations and Connections conference, including the Achievement Celebration, as well as two incredible convocations, this has been a very exciting time at NOSM University.

Convocation

NOSM University’s 2025 convocation ceremonies were held on May 23 in Thunder Bay and May 30 in Sudbury, my first as President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO. It was a true honour to celebrate the accomplishments of our esteemed graduates, especially those who began their journey during a global pandemic and overcame unexpected challenges to earn their MDs.

With this year’s additions, NOSM University’s alumni community has grown to include 1,041 MD graduates, of whom 92 identify as Indigenous and 214 as Francophone. A remarkable 34 of this year’s MD graduates matched to family medicine, representing 49% of all MD graduates, and reaffirming NOSM University’s leadership in addressing primary care gaps that exist in primary care for remote, rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities.

To all of the learners graduating this year, I congratulate you on reaching this significant milestone, and hope you continue to break down barriers, advocate for health equity, and be a force for change in all that you do.

President’s tour of Northern Ontario

Since April, I’ve been on the road with several members of our leadership team to meet and consult with communities across Northern Ontario. We covered 4,682 km of Northern highways, the quivalent of driving from Montreal to Vancouver, and held meetings, townhalls and input sessions with faculty, learners, hospital partners, Indigenous and Francophone leaders, donors, and elected officials in the following communities: Atikokan, Batchewana First Nation, Blind River, Bracebridge, Dryden, Espanola, Fort Frances, Hearst, Huntsville, Kapuskasing, Kenora, Kirkland Lake, Marathon, Midland, Mississauga First Nation, North Bay, Parry Sound, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Temiskaming Shores, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Wawa and West Nipissing.

These in-person conversations have been both inspiring and essential in shaping NOSM University’s next strategic plan. I’m deeply grateful for the candid insights, resourcefulness, and creativity shared along the way. Clear themes are already beginning to emerge. I’ll be making a few more visits later this summer, including a special return to Moose Factory—the place where I began my practice, and one that still holds deep personal meaning for me. As we plan for the next five years, your voice matters. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our recent tour across Northern Ontario—whether you welcomed us in your community, joined a town hall, or shared your insights along the way. Your warm reception and thoughtful input have been invaluable in shaping NOSM University’s next strategic plan.

It’s not too late to have your say. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts through our strategic plan survey before Friday, July 4. Your voice matters.

NOSM University Achievement Celebration

As a part of the spectacular Northern Constellations and Connections conference, NOSM University hosted its third-annual Achievement Celebration on May 9, 2025, recognizing the passion, commitment, excellence, and innovation of those across Northern Ontario who continue to drive NOSM University forward. Every milestone reached at NOSM University is a reflection of the people who make our mission to help improve the health of Northern Ontarians a reality. Faculty, staff, learners, and alumni all play an integral role in fostering excellence in health professions education and research, and that deserves celebration.

It was my first year attending these awards as NOSM University’s President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO, and, as you can see for yourself here on our YouTube channel, it was an evening to remember. My warmest congratulations to all of those recognized and nominated for an award, and to everyone, you made the event so special. You can see photos from this year and shots from the last two events here.

Earth Day event

At the end of April, I had the privilege of facilitating NOSM University’s annual Earth Day Celebration, featuring Dr. Elaine Blacklock, the chair of the NOSM University Action on Climate Change Committee (ACCC) and an expert in the field of planetary health.

Dr. Blacklock delivered an incredibly informative presentation, sharing resources and calling on educators to consider integrating planetary health into their curriculum using the library’s Planetary Health Subject Guide.

The event also featured members of NOSM University’s community: Dr. Gary Bota provided background on NOSM University’s Pledge for Sustainable Travel, Dr. Joseph LeBlanc shared NOSM University’s Good Food Guide, and Eric Grimm, Local Officer of Environmental Health and Sustainability with NOSM University’s Student Council, invited participants to take the Planetary Health Pledge.

The recording of this year’s Earth Day event is available on our YouTube channel for anyone who did not get the chance to catch it live.

Have a great summer

As we continue to grow and evolve, NOSM University remains rooted in its mission to serve the North. The milestones we’ve celebrated and the conversations we’ve shared over these past few months are a powerful reminder of the collective commitment and care that define our community. Thank you for your continued engagement, for your hard work and dedication throughout the year, and for the many ways you contribute to our shared mission.

From my time on the road these past weeks, I’ve been reminded just how breathtaking Northern Ontario is—especially in the summer. The lakes, forests, and vibrant communities are a beautiful backdrop to the important work we do. I hope each of you takes time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the season ahead.

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and restorative summer. I look forward to continuing our work together in the months ahead—stronger, more connected, and ready for what’s next.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO
NOSM UniversityIf you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

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Spotlight on Dietetic Practicum Program Alumni

Rylee Wepruk

Gallery Thursday June 19th, 2025 Alexandra Poling

Rylee Wepruk is a proud resident of northwestern Ontario and a 2011 graduate of the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program—now the Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP). She began her career as a dietitian with the diabetes program in Sioux Lookout, where she stayed for seven years and made many happy memories. While Sioux Lookout played a significant role in her professional journey, Rylee always intended to return to her hometown of Fort Frances. In 2018, she joined the Fort Frances Family Health Team, where she enjoyed outpatient counselling, and the variety of nutrition care.

After starting a family, Rylee became increasingly aware of, and interested in, childhood development. In 2021, she had the opportunity to join an amazing team of passionate allied health professionals at Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services, and the Child’s First Initiative team. The position combines both community nutrition, and team-based pediatric services. She is constantly challenged to come up with innovative ways to explore food, and healthy eating, with clients and families. The preschool age is probably her favourite to work with—it’s messy and fun.

In Rylee’s words:

“My favourite memory from the program is the hands-on experience. It was exciting to learn from preceptors, and I felt comfortable putting knowledge into practice.”