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Dr. Owen Prowse named new Vice-President, Clinical Partnerships and Hospital Relations at NOSM University

New role, based in Thunder Bay, anticipates university expansion, enhanced medical research

NOSM University is pleased to announce that Dr. Owen Prowse has accepted the position of inaugural Vice-President, Clinical Partnerships and Hospital Relations, effective March 1, 2024.

Dr. Prowse is an experienced and respected urologist at TBRHSC and a leader with more than a decade in leadership roles within NOSM University.

“In his 40-plus years of experience, Dr. Prowse has demonstrated not only his medical expertise but an incredible capacity for collaboration,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “His commitment to medical education and superior patient care make him a perfect fit for NOSM University’s engagement with health-care professionals.”

Formerly the Assistant Dean of Admissions at NOSM University, Dr. Prowse facilitated significant transformations in the MD admissions process, notably shaping the use of mini multiple interviews and the context score. His leadership in admissions extends to provincial, national, and international levels, and distinguishes him as a pivotal figure in the field.

His new role, based in Thunder Bay, aligns with the university’s expanding leadership structure, with the creation of Vice-Presidents to replace decanal positions.

“I look forward to fortifying relationships with clinical partners, hospitals, and communities, especially in the post-pandemic health-care landscape,” says Dr. Prowse. “As we learn to navigate those evolving health-care dynamics, we can strive for improved patient and learner experiences.”

His appointment comes as Dr. William McCready retires from the role of Vice-Dean, Clinical Relations at NOSM University, effective Feb. 29, 2024. A retired clinical nephrologist who provided specialized kidney care to patients in Northwestern Ontario for almost 40 years, Dr. McCready has played an instrumental, foundational role in ensuring the university’s forward momentum. As the inaugural Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, he oversaw the development of the faculty body, including the Office of Faculty Affairs, and has served in many capacities, including on the NOSM Board of Directors. For these accomplishments, and so much more, the university expresses gratitude to him as he embarks upon his new adventures in retirement.

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NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca.

Dr. Mike Ravenek appointed inaugural Director, Health Sciences and Program Development

NOSM University is pleased to announce Dr. Mike Ravenek as the inaugural Director of Health Sciences and Program Development, effective January 4, 2024.

Dr. Ravenek joined NOSM University in 2020 and has spent the last three years as the Manager of Health Sciences.

Dr. Ravenek is an occupational therapist, educator and leader with more than 12 years of experience in higher education. His time at NOSM University has given him the insight and background to successfully lead, develop and grow the Health Sciences portfolio. He will work closely with the Provost and Vice President, Academic on health sciences program development and expansion, and advise upon new strategic opportunities to advance NOSM University.

With his commitment to health sciences learning in Northern Ontario, Dr. Ravenek is welcomed warmly to his new role.

Julie Stachiw

Julie has been a NODIP Site Coordinator for Thunder Bay and preceptored over 30 dietetic interns and nutrition students within food service, clinical, and research placements, receiving the Commitment to Clinical Teaching Award in 2016. Over the past 10+ years as a RD, Julie has worked in a variety of roles across the continuum of care in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia: community care (diabetes), food service, acute clinical care, home care, outpatient (oncology, as well as employee family assistance program), research, and public health.

After obtaining her Master of Public Health degree from Lakehead University, Julie went on to work in program management roles with Dietitians of Canada and The University of British Columbia, both of which focused on creating a supportive food environment to assist with health and wellbeing outcomes for students. She has achieved the Project Management Professional and Change Management Practitioner designations, and currently works remotely from southeastern Ontario in consulting and project management, often with a system-level healthcare focus, with a northwestern Ontario company that provides services from a northern and rural perspective.

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