Partnership Identifies Opportunities to Collaborate in the area of Research of Benefit to the Health of Northern Ontarians

Earlier today, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and Algoma University (AU) signed a Collaboration Agreement which will allow the two parties to collaborate and share expertise and resources in the area of research.

During a media event held today at Algoma University, the two organizations announced their shared commitment to providing education which is responsive to the people and communities of Northern Ontario, and highlighted their complementary resources and objectives with respect to research, education, and expertise.

The Agreement between NOSM and AU collaboration lists a number of objectives:

Life Sciences Research

Both NOSM and AU have an interest in life sciences research. There are opportunities for the partners to share expertise and resources to efficiently and effectively meet their respective needs, and to strengthen life sciences research, education, and commercial development.

Regional Access to Research and Resources

In order for NOSM to offer programs of education and professional training in health and health-related fields, it reaches out through the region to conduct research in various venues and with various regional partners. The collaboration between NOSM and AU will expand local and regional access to research and resources that have a direct relevance to the people and communities of Northern Ontario.

Clinical Research

NOSM and AU will work together to share resources, co-manage pan-Northern research initiatives, and engage community level partners with a shared objective of undertaking high-quality, evidence-based clinical research of benefit to the health status of Northern Ontarians. Project benefits will include novel and innovative approaches to health-related education for students and associates of both institutions.

Development of Projects

NOSM and AU will work together to identify specific research projects and joint responsibilities.

“The partnership between Algoma University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine creates the opportunity for a future of exciting research initiatives,” stated Dr. Celia Ross, AU’s President. “We have a unique opportunity to have new conversations, explore new research possibilities, and to share skills, resources and expertise — all in the interest of the people we collectively serve.”

“A significant component of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s social accountability mandate is to build and cultivate relationships with organizations across Northern Ontario to facilitate common goals,” said Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean. “This Collaboration Agreement between the Medical School and Algoma University will allow us, and the expanded region, to pursue research initiatives and opportunities that maximize the positive impact our organizations are having in the North,” he said.

“This Collaboration Agreement offers a unique partnership for two organizations with a vested interest in providing education and research that is relevant to Northern Ontario. By sharing resources and expertise, we can undertake new clinical and life sciences research and education projects that are reflective of the needs of Northern Ontarians,” said Dr. Arthur Perlini, AU’s Academic Dean.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its first Integrated Clinical Learning (ICL) retreat, entitled “Moving Towards an Integrated Clinical Learning Approach in Your Teaching Practice,” in Elliot Lake on October 23 and 24, 2009.

All NOSM learners undergo clinical training at learning sites in communities where they receive instruction in practical and integrated approaches to health-care delivery. The retreat brought together learner representatives, NOSM staff, faculty members, and physician teachers. Participants explored effective strategies for teaching and learning in these environments and sought to articulate the meaning and principles of integrated clinical learning. The setting of priorities to best meet the needs of NOSM’s distinctive program was also discussed.

Dr. Jack Haggarty introduced a panel of professionals and learners, each of whom highlighted the benefits that integrated clinical learning offers to the community-based approach, a hallmark of NOSM’s education model.

ICL facilitator, Erik Lockhart, through sophisticated computer technologies, gained consensus of participants in building a plan for moving forward with an integrated clinical approach at NOSM.

NOSM Dean, Dr. Roger Strasser, said the gathering helped to identify the challenges and opportunities rising from integrated clinical learning in community-based education. “This retreat enabled all of us to learn from those directly involved in the clinical learning experience. Drawing on the lessons of physician teachers and learners is critical to ensuring that NOSM provides relevant community-based learning opportunities.”

Sue Berry, Director of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Education at NOSM, also acknowledged the importance of interprofessional practice and learning in order to more readily meet the health needs of Northerners. “NOSM’s professional development spans the entire spectrum of health care. This retreat provided an excellent opportunity to consider how learners are learning from other health professionals in the community and gaining experiences in team teaching, resulting in enriched clinical experiences for both learners and teachers.”

Over 70 community partners support the School by providing clinical learning opportunities for all NOSM learners and exposure to lifestyle choices in culturally diverse settings.

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The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its Annual Members and Board of Directors meetings on Wednesday. These meetings were video-linked between the School’s West Campus at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and its East Campus at Laurentian University in Sudbury, with other Directors participating via teleconference.

At the Annual Members Meeting, which involves one representative each of Laurentian University and Lakehead University, the audited financial statements for the year ending April 30, 2009 were approved, and members of the Board of Directors for 2009 – 2010 were appointed. NOSM M.D. student Paul Miron (nominated by the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Student Society) and recent NOSM M.D. graduate Dr. Adam Moir (nominated by the Postgraduate Residency Trainees) were inducted into the Board.

The Directors received reports from Board Committees, including the Finance and Audit, Quality Monitoring, Governance, Board Executive, Advancement, and Nominating Committees.

The Directors also received reports from the School’s Academic Council, Research Associate Dean, Strategic Planning Committee, Archives Reference Group, Aboriginal Reference Group, and Francophone Reference Group.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on December 3 and 4, 2009 in Thunder Bay.