With the final dash of a pen at Queen’s Park in Toronto, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) has become the first independent medical university in Canada: NOSM University.

This is a profound and historic moment for the NOSM community. I will take this opportunity to reiterate our gratitude to Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities and the Ford government for this incredible commitment to health education in the North and our renewed focus on health equity across our vast region.

NOSM has blazed trails since its establishment in 2002. The unique, distributed, community-engaged learning model has grown into something extraordinary. This model requires strong ties with remote, rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities. NOSM University will continue its partnerships with more than 500 organizations, in 90+ communities, and more than 1,800 faculty across all of Northern Ontario.

NOSM University is our new, purpose-built path.

And now, with the green light, we can leap forward with our plans: renew curricula, establish new programming, expand on our strategic directions, and more, all with the autonomy to achieve what we desire. We can go in the direction that makes the most sense for the betterment of health equity in Northern Ontario.

Collectively, so many people have been involved with NOSM along the way. I want to thank you all. We are truly a village of movers and shakers! Those who came before us with this incredible vision created the successful foundation of NOSM some 20 years ago. Thank you to everyone who has helped build upon the legacy of that vision, which has led to today and to this incredible moment.

The recent announcement is invigorating for all of us. Personally, it’s a renewed source of energy and a sense of endless possibility. Leading with self, moving away from fear, and focusing on what can be done in the present is what really matters in times like these.

Reports from Ukraine over the past weeks are disturbing. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has captured the hearts of the world as he exudes his own unique form of leadership—his leadership style has been called the real deal and he has been called a hero for the ages.

As I said in my statement on Ukraine last week, I am deeply concerned about those who are personally affected. Ukrainians have a deeply rooted history in Northern Ontario and we stand in support of everyone who may be struggling. There are supports available to the NOSM community.

It’s time to “draw a line in the sand.” I’m borrowing that line from Dr. Homer Tien, trauma surgeon and Ornge President and CEO, a keynote speaker at Northern Lights, NOSM’s annual leadership gathering. He was referring to respecting Indigenous guiding principles—the fundamental principles that must be respected when you’re an outsider in someone else’s community. Respecting the priorities and values of a community is paramount. It is not a grey area, nor up for debate. That “line in the sand” must not be crossed, even under the most challenging circumstances.

This has been our approach to NOSM University and our ongoing approach to addressing the health-care needs of the North through our strategic plan, The NOSM Challenge. Our core mission remains: To improve the health of Northern Ontarians by being socially accountable in our education and research programs and advocating for health equity. And we’re coming at it from our own unique perspectives.

Northern Lights speaker Dr. Nel Wieman Canada’s first female Indigenous psychiatrist spoke about ‘two-eyed seeing.’ That is a term coined by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall in 2004 that speaks to those who walk in two worlds, and the advantage that comes from having two parallel, equally valuable perspectives or lived experiences that are gained from the teachings of both worlds. There is great beauty in diverse perspectives—it drives innovation.

At Northern Lights, health leadership coach Amanda Bjorn shared advice and encouragement for keeping our heads held high in the face of challenges. “You only have influence over yourself and how YOU want to be in this world… your personal climate can either draw people in or push them away. Be aware of your climate, shift to the coaching approach of collaborative, caring compassionate leadership,” says Amanda. Strong leaders are skilled at listening with determined, full attentiveness.

I was inspired by the ‘Aspire Mindset’ of Dr. Zaki Ahmed. He shared that leadership is about action, not just your job title. Successful leaders are appreciative, strength-based, possibility-orientated, open and curious, non-judgmental, responsive and generous. Leaders—regardless of their role—shine through in their values and compassionate service. Every individual can be inspired to lead and reflect NOSM’s values.

Without a doubt, these are highly tense times in the world. What are your contributions? Are you fueling the fire or amplifying the tension? Are you asking deeper questions? Offering calm pathways forward? We all have a role in combating stress, anxiety, and burnout so we emerge with our team’s personal health—AND our own—intact.

Today is International Women’s Day—a day to celebrate achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. NOSM is so very fortunate to have a rich group of women trailblazers in all areas of the school—from new learners to women in leadership and mentorship roles—collectively championing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Let’s continue our important work. Keep an eye out for more announcements and celebrations as NOSM University gains momentum.

Miigwetch, thank you, marsi, merci,

Dr. Sarita Verma
Dean, President and CEO
Northern Ontario School of Medicine

If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at dean@nosm.ca and follow me on Twitter @ddsv3.

Subscribe to Northern Routes

Northern Lights – A big success

Thank you to Dr. James Goertzen and his incredible CEPD team for coordinating this year’s exceptional lineup of leaders. More than 66 people participated virtually each day. A special thank you to all of the speakers who inspired a greater awareness of oneself as a leader in a time when we need leaders the most. Leadership matters, now more than ever, at NOSM University. Join us as we chart a new course.

Northern Health Research Conference

The call for abstracts is now open for the 17th annual Northern Health Research Conference (NHRC) to be held on Friday, June 24, 2022. Deadline for abstract submission is Friday, March 18, 2022.

Homepage News, Media Releases, News

Canada’s first independent medical university proclaimed: NOSM University

Friday March 4th, 2022 Alexandra Poling

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) becomes NOSM University—the first independent medical university in Canada—effective April 1, 2022.

“This is a profound and historic moment for the NOSM community, and its impact will be felt across Northern Ontario and beyond,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice Chancellor and Dean of NOSM University. “We are grateful to Minister Dunlop and the Ford government for this incredible commitment to health education in the North and our renewed focus on health equity across our vast region.”

Since its establishment in 2002, NOSM has blazed trails in its short history. The unique, distributed, community-engaged learning model has grown into something extraordinary. This model requires strong ties and engagement with remote, rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities. NOSM University has partnerships and collaborations with more than 500 organizations, in 90+ communities, and more than 1,800 faculty dispersed across all of Northern Ontario.

“NOSM University—fully accredited and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our peer institutions—will shape what it means to be an independent medical university in Canada,” Dr. Verma continued. “We know that our cost effective, innovative, community-based learning model, our trusted partnerships, and our purpose-built mission to bring health equity to Northern Ontarians is working. We will advance the national conversation about what health justice in the rural and remote North really looks like—and who can deliver it.”

“The Ontario government is committed to supporting high-quality postsecondary education in Northern Ontario,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “We recognize that our northern institutions are essential to ensuring we have a skilled workforce in the North, and by establishing NOSM University as an independent, publicly-assisted university, we will enable it to grow in ways that best serve their students and local communities.”

“This is the University you didn’t know Canada needed,” says Dr. Verma. “For everyone who has been involved along the way, this is a moment some 20 years in the making. In just a short time, we made history and we will continue to do it again, and again.”

NOSM University will build upon its flagship campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

– 30 –

About NOSM University
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.

Facts about NOSM University:

NOSM has produced 780 MDs, 55 of whom self-identify as Indigenous, and 165 of whom self-identify as Francophone. In addition, 692 residents have completed NOSM programs. More than half of these health practitioners have stayed in Northern Ontario.
More than 148 dietetic interns have graduated from the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP) and 78 are practising in Northern Ontario.
Through NOSM, more than 850 rehabilitation sciences students have completed occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology and audiology placements in Northern Ontario.
The Physician Assistant (PA) program is a University of Toronto degree delivered in collaboration with NOSM and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. More than 300 PA students have completed rotations in Northern Ontario through NOSM’s partnership in the Consortium of Physician Assistant Education.
Four residents have graduated from NOSM’s Medical Physics Residency Education Program (MPREP) and are now practising as medical physicists.
Now that the legislation is proclaimed in force, NOSM University will form a new Board of Governors and a Senate.
NOSM’s partnerships and collaborations with more than 500 organizations, 90+ communities, and more than 1,800 clinical, human and medical sciences faculty dispersed across all of Northern Ontario will continue.
NOSM University is the first medical university in Canada with a dedicated Centre for Social Accountability.
NOSM is a signatory to the Okanagan Charter, an international charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges.
NOSM will remain in both Thunder Bay and Sudbury, and will build on its collaborative relationships with Lakehead University and Laurentian University.
NOSM University will continue to receive 90 per cent of its operating funds directly from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
NOSM University joins some of the world’s highest ranked medical schools that are independent medical universities and all fully accredited.

For further information about NOSM, please contact: communication@nosm.ca

In the Spotlight, Indigenous Stories

NOSM supporters honoured with Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Awards

Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 Alexandra Poling

Two friends of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) were recently honoured with Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Awards at an awards ceremony hosted by the Anishinabek Nation. The awards honour those “who made their communities stronger and who have enriched the lives of many.”

Mary Jo Wabano of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory received the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award for Health. She is the former Health Services Director in Wiikwemkoong. Mary Jo is well known for her academic, research and community work. She has dedicated her career to innovative health projects and remains deeply committed to working with youth. She continues to honour culturally appropriate approaches to care. “Mainstream research approaches require a substantial redesign to be relevant, respectful and effective for Aboriginal people and communities,” says Mary Jo.

The Lifetime Achievement in Public Service Award was given to Deborah Pegahmagabow of Wasausking First Nation. Deborah is the Health Service Director for Wausauksing and a community councillor. She has dedicated her career to expanding Wausauksing Health Centre staff and infrastructure. “Deborah’s dedication to the well-being of her community and to its members has shined brightly throughout these recent difficult and trying times,” says Sam Senecal, Community Coordinator at NOSM.

Both Mary Jo and Deborah have been supporters of NOSM’s establishment, growth and ongoing initiatives, specifically programs that offer cultural immersion and learning in First Nation communities across Northern Ontario.

Congratulations to all recipients and nominees of the 2022 Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Awards.