Dr. Madison Peterson-Kowal, NOSM University resident, was recently awarded the inaugural Medical Resident Leadership Award from the Indigenous Physician Association of Canada (IPAC). Dr. Peterson-Kowal’s leadership was recognized at IPAC’s Annual General Meeting earlier this summer. The award is for a medical resident who uplifts those around them through supportive relationships, who is involved with community initiatives to improve the lives of others, and who acts as a positive role model to their colleagues.

Recognized for demonstrating a commitment to creating supportive relationships, engaging with her community, and being a positive role model, Dr. Peterson-Kowal often takes on a leadership role through her involvement with Indigenous student recruitment and as an event speaker. She has a track record of building a positive rapport with colleagues and sharing with and teaching others. Dr. Peterson-Kowal’s nomination letter acknowledged her selfless contributions, which keep communities, patients, and colleagues at top-of-mind.

Having had far-reaching involvement at NOSM University, Dr. Peterson-Kowal has had roles on the Postgraduate Medical Education Committee, the Academic Indigenous Health Education Committee, and the Indigenous Reference Group, where her thoughtful contributions have made an impact on current and future medical learners. She has also been an advocate for Indigenous medical students’ health and wellness.

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Collaboration in action: Addressing the needs of Northwestern Ontario Health Teams through a collaborative approach

Friday August 25th, 2023 Tara Hawkes

An ongoing initiative led by NOSM University’s Centre for Social Accountability (CFSA) with the Northwestern Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) is working to fill a major health human resources gap.

The OHT Impact Fellowship Program matches Ontario Health Teams with researchers who conduct data analysis. But when the first cohort of the program failed to match researchers with Northwestern OHTs, it became clear that a different approach was needed to meet the unique needs of our region.

The solution? A teams-based approach to an existing Impact Fellowship. Proposed by the CFSA’s Drs. Erin Cameron, Academic Director, and Brianne Wood, Associate Scientist, along with health-care partners throughout Northwestern Ontario, the initiative was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health through the University of Toronto as part of a central program of supports for OHTs.

“By aligning the skills of NOSM University team members with local and regional needs, this approach nurtures relationships that extend beyond the one-year fellowship and integrates with ongoing projects led by Centre for Social Accountability scholars,” says Dr. Cameron.

The team created a data framework for health-care systems in Northwestern Ontario and has recently expanded to work with all Northern Ontario OHTs. The framework informs how data is used to improve the coordination and integration of health care in order to impact health at a population level. The goal is to support people who need to be knowledgeable about the health system as a whole—such as decision-makers, policymakers, and clinicians—with research.

“The data framework can be used to advance a regional health strategy. Our collaboration has the potential to identify needs within our health system and lead its transformation,” says Dr. Cameron.

The work builds on existing partnerships between NOSM University, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, All Nations Health Partners OHT, Rainy River District OHT, the Northwestern Ontario Integrated Care Working Group, and the Rapid Improvement Support Exchange.

“Working with the NOSM University team on the OHT Impact Fellowship has been a true example of social accountability in action,” says Jessica Logozzo, Vice President, Strategy & Regional Transformation at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (working on behalf of the 12 hospitals in Northwestern Ontario). “The NOSM University team stepped in with an innovative, embedded team-based approach. By working directly with two OHTs on the issues that they self-identified, NOSM University’s team was able to co-produce research, evidence, and analytics that were most relevant to the OHT and partners—including data analytics for quality improvement plans. This partnership enabled meaningful research for our region that will enhance our collective efforts towards improvements in population health and system transformation.”

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NOSM University medical student honoured with national award

Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 Alexandra Poling

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame recognizes

Taylor Murie, NOSM University medical student, receives the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award for 2023. The award recognizes a second-year student from each medical school across Canada who exemplifies perseverance, collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. Recipients have an established track record of community leadership, superior communication skills and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been chosen as NOSM University’s recipient of the 2023 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award,” says Murie. “Receiving an award, such as this one, holds immense significance to me on both a personal and professional level. It’s not only a symbol of individual success, but it reflects the support and encouragement that I have received from my colleagues, mentors, and loved ones throughout my medical education. I see this award as a tribute to their faith in my abilities.”

Murie completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, followed by a Bachelor of Education, at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. While working on her Master of Education, Murie’s thesis work focused on culturally centered mathematics curriculum for Indigenous youth in Northwestern Ontario, demonstrating her commitment to decolonization and inclusivity. She was previously employed as an instructor at various post-secondary institutions, where she worked to develop culturally relevant mathematics education and pedagogy. At NOSM University, she is the Student Council Year Representative for her class and campus, where she advocates for student-centered changes at various levels of administration.

“Taylor Murie is an inspiring medical student with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and demonstrated strength of leadership through positions she has held with NOSM University’s Student Council,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO. “As a future physician, Taylor will make an impact through her advocacy. Creating an equitable and inclusive space is vital as a leader in medicine.”

Soon beginning her third-year Comprehensive Community Clerkship (CCC) in Huntsville, Murie says, “An award of this calibre opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. I’m looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals with similar interests. This networking potential enables me to learn from others, share insights, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation. I view this award as a responsibility to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact in the communities I serve. I’m inspired to use this recognition as a platform to make a positive impact, inspire others and pay forward the support I’ve received.”

Recipients of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Vancouver, where they will have the opportunity to meet CMHF Laureates and interact with health leaders from across the country.

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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 peoples 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.