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In the Spotlight

Bring a Doctor Home Hockey Tournament Scores Big

More than $520,000 raised to support NOSM U medical students in Sault Ste. Marie

From January 20-25, 2025, the 19th annual Bring a Doctor Home Hockey Tournament brought together 28 teams at the John Rhodes Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Volunteer employees and retirees of Algoma Steel came together with a shared goal to raise funds for future doctors in the Algoma Region. With an incredible total of $520,652.79 raised since the tournament’s inception, the impact and community engagement continue to grow. The Bring a Doctor Home Bursary has awarded more than $130,000 to 27 medical students since 2006, helping to alleviate the financial inequities disproportionately affecting Northern learners.

“I’m truly humbled by the continued support and dedication from everyone involved,” says Frank DeMarco, Bring a Doctor Home Tournament organizer. “Year after year, the passion of our players, volunteers, and sponsors has been overwhelming. The funds raised are making a lasting impact on the Algoma Region, and we are excited to see this tournament continue to grow.

The week-long event saw games played nightly from 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., leading up to an action-packed Saturday finale where 12 teams faced off across 5 different divisions. Congratulations to the tournament’s winners: Team Masonry from Division A, the Hot Rollers of the Women’s Division, the Wolves of the Master’s Division, the City Division’s Fire Team, and the Ice Breakers of the B Division.

“To every player, volunteer, and supporter, thank you,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO at NOSM University. “Sault Ste. Marie exemplifies the power of community in driving meaningful change. Your dedication to this tournament directly contributes to building a healthier future for the region. We are proud to stand alongside you in this mission and look forward to celebrating the 20thanniversary of this incredible event next year.”

In the Spotlight

New Bursary Opportunities for the Dietetic Practicum Program 

Starting in Fall 2025, students in NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) will be eligible for bursaries totaling $8,000.  

These bursaries mark the first time funding has been available for students entering DPP, thereby reducing financial barriers to completing the program. The bursaries were generously created by Dr. Marion Briggs, the Director of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Education at NOSM University from 2012 and 2018.  

As part of her role, Dr. Briggs managed the Dietetic Practicum Program—formerly known as the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program, or NODIP—of which she is an enthusiastic supporter.  

“It’s an exceptional program, unlike any other in the province, that is crucial to the health of Northern Ontarians and unique,” she said. “Graduates of DPP tend to stay in the North and make key contributions to address critical health challenges related to nutrition and food security. These are serious issues in Northern Ontario generally and disproportionately affect rural and remote, and Indigenous populations,” she added.  

The program provides opportunities for students to work in a variety of settings enables them to understand the nuances and challenges of dietetics, food insecurity and nutrition for various population groups particularly rural, remote, and Indigenous populations. 

Dr. Briggs offered the Drs. McElhaney and Briggs Dietetic Practicum Scholarship to learners entering the program in part to help address the shortage of dietetic professionals in Northern Ontario.  

Unlike other Dietetic Practicum Programs in Ontario, DPP students have no access to government funding assistance—they carry significant debt, and the program fees are a deal-breaker for many who would otherwise love to learn about, and serve in, the North. “This is a crisis that must be addressed,” Dr. Briggs said.   

Less graduates from the program means fewer dietitians working across the North. To date, NOSM University has graduated 207 learners who go on to become Registered Dietitians. Notably, 75% of the last three graduate cohorts are practising in Northern Ontario. 

“Dietitians are essential health advocates. There are so many nutrition related illnesses in the North that impact rural and remote populations,” Briggs said.  “Northern Ontario depends on graduates from this program to staff the North with Registered Dietitians.” 

Cara Green, Manager of DPP, was emotional hearing that new bursaries will be available to students. “We are here to address the health human resource needs of Northern Ontario.” she said. “So, knowing that DPP will be more accessible to learners because of Dr. Briggs’ generous support is incredible.” 

She hopes that the bursaries will reduce the financial burden for dietetic students and enable them to focus on their learning experience as they pursue their RD credential.  

The bursary extends the commitment and generosity of Dr. Briggs to the DPP program and NOSM University, and extends the legacy of Marion’s life partner, Dr. Janet McElhaney (1954-2021), whose lasting legacy was the care of older adults and collaborative health-care practices.   

Learn more about NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program and how to qualify for a bursary. 

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Join the NOSM University Board of Governors

Make a Difference in Northern Ontario

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university, dedicated to transforming health-care education and delivery in Northern Ontario. Guided by innovation, inclusivity, and social accountability, we aim to improve access to quality health care.

We are seeking dedicated individuals with expertise in higher education governance, financial management, or legal to join NOSM University’s Board of Governors. With some positions to start as early as June 2025, you can help shape the future of equitable health care in Northern Ontario.

NOSM University’s vision of Innovative education and research for a healthier North means we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality education to physicians and health professionals, and continue to be a leader in distributed, learning-centred, community-engaged education and research.

We are especially committed to fostering diversity and encourage applications from Indigenous and Francophone candidates.

Applications are open until 4:00 p.m. on February 21, 2025. Apply now.

Visit NOSM University’s website for more information or to apply. Together, we can make a difference!

 

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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 or an interview opportunity, please contact: news@nosm.ca.

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