Francophone Medical Education

A Francophone Focus

Although mandated by the Ontario government to provide instruction in English, NOSM University (NOSM U) is committed to being responsive to the needs of the people and communities of Northern Ontario, including Francophones and individuals whose first language is French.

NOSM U has a social accountability mandate that requires it to be sensitive to the cultural diversity of the region it serves, including the needs of the Francophone individuals and communities in Northern Ontario.

Approximately twenty-four percent (24 %) of the Franco-Ontarian population resides in Northern Ontario. NOSM U strives to ensure that the cultural and linguistic needs of Francophones in Northern Ontario are reflected in all its activities. Accordingly, the University encourages students to learn about and understand Franco-Ontarian history, traditions, and culture, and offers them opportunities to learn French. Students whose working language is French are provided with as many opportunities as possible to undertake parts of their studies in French, particularly through placements in French-language health services and Francophone communities.

The University’s Francophone Affairs Unit and the Francophone Reference Group (FRG) work collaboratively to engage Francophone communities in Northern Ontario to identify their needs and support their inclusion in the ongoing development of NOSM U.

The University’s mandate includes the following:

To encourage applications from qualified Francophone students. Medical students who self-identify as Francophone make up 20-30% of each cohort (see our statistics).
To liaise with the Francophone communities in Northern Ontario to identify and address their needs through institutional development initiatives, including the work of the Francophone Reference Group (FRG).

The Undergraduate Medical Education Program’s mandate:

To provide Francophone and Francophile students with small group learning opportunities and clinical experiences in a Francophone and bilingual environments whenever possible.
To deliver a curriculum focused on Francophone health issues, including relevant case studies, health professionals, patients and Francophone communities.

The Francophone Affairs Unit’s mandate:

To provide ongoing support to students at various levels, including placement opportunities, tutor identification, assistance with translation and document editing, and interview preparation.
To offer students, physicians and health care professionals French-language educational resources, including online French learning materials, as well as strategic opportunities to collaborate with other French-language medical schools across Canada.
To facilitate information workshops for high school and university students in Northern Ontario.
To collaborate with the Admissions Office in the interview process for undergraduate program applicants.
To ensure Francophone representation within the university through internal expertise, internal and external advocacy efforts, and active participation in regional, provincial, national and international consultation tables.
To support research initiatives focused on Francophone health.
To provide support to students during their 2nd and 3rd year clerkships, as well as residency programs in Francophone communities and health care settings.
To undertake ongoing efforts to increase the participation of students (medicine and other disciplines), residents, and Francophone communities in NOSM U activities.
To organize and facilitate cultural events throughout the year to promote awareness of Francophone culture.

Francophone Affairs Team

FrAU email: affaires.francophones@nosm.ca

Danielle Barbeau-Rodrigue
Director
NOSM University in Sudbury
Phone: 705-662-7291
Fax: 705-662-7273

Tsilavo Ralandison
Community Liaison Coordinator
NOSM University in Thunder Bay
Phone: 807-766-7533
Fax: 807-766-7370

Sierra Howald
Learner Recruitment and Support Coordinator
NOSM University in Sudbury
Phone: 705 662-7271
Fax: 705-662-7273

Renée Marenger
Administrative Assistant
NOSM University in Sudbury
Phone: 705-662-7260
Fax: 705-662-7273

French Language Communications

The official language of administration and instruction is English. However, the University’s external publications and some programming are available in French.

Recognizing the importance of Francophone individuals and communities in Northern Ontario and within NOSM U, major announcements, media releases, and selected documents are made available in French. In alignment with the University’s mandate, certain positions at NOSM U may require bilingualism (English and French). These positions are advertised in both languages, and proficiency in French is considered an asset for all positions at NOSM U.