My name is Dr. Michael Green, but most people call me Mike. It is my great honour to be back in the North, this time as President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. As you may already know, Northern Ontario holds a special place in my heart. I spent eight wonderful years as a family doctor in Moose Factory and Kashechewan, and I have seen firsthand how important NOSM University is to improving access to health care.

There is no question in my mind that I am standing on the shoulders of giants. Over the last two decades, Dr. Sarita Verma and Founding Dean Emeritus Dr. Roger Strasser did monumental work building NOSM University into what it is today: a world-class destination for health professions education and research, and a beacon of light in the pursuit of health equity for all. I am humbled to be entrusted with carrying forward this vital mission.

Dr. Verma’s leadership over the last five years has been a master class in focus, determination, and agility. She not only kept NOSM University stable and operational during the global pandemic but also made it the first independent medical school in Canada. Under her leadership, NOSM University achieved full accreditation, and the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity was established. On top of that, she has overseen historic and ongoing expansion efforts, and she and her team secured the first $50 million for the NOSM University Student Endowment Fund, which will help so many students achieve their dreams. She is legendary.

Dr. Strasser was dean at the former Northern Ontario School of Medicine when I was first working in the North. He was inspirational to me then and remains a visionary leader in rural health education. Dr. Strasser’s dedication to improving health-care access in underserved communities has rightly earned him international recognition. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire others undoubtedly contributed to the success of what is today NOSM University.

My top priority is to continue to build upon the relationships that have already been established. These connections are the lifeblood of our institution, and they help to ensure that our educational and research programs remain responsive to the specific needs of the region. As we shape the direction of our next strategic plan, I want to assure you of our unwavering commitment to transform health human resource planning, and to advance social accountability. We will continue to innovate health professions education and bolster research capacity in Northern Ontario. Most of all, we will stay focused on excellence in health professions education to help improve health equity in Northern Ontario.

I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional faculty, staff, students, learners, and partners of NOSM University as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Together, we can build on the incredible foundation laid by my predecessors and work toward a healthier future for Northern Ontario. I also look forward to meeting our generous donors and accomplished alums whose support and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our mission.

I am inspired by the possibilities ahead.

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO
NOSM University

If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

We are excited to announce our countdown to Giving Tuesday! This year, in honour of NOSM University’s 20th anniversary, we are celebrating Giving Tuesday by highlighting the 2009 NOSM Charter Class Bursary.

Join our first MD class in supporting future health care leaders by donating to the bursary they established. Together, we can help deserving students overcome financial obstacles. Help us reach our $25,000 goal!

Learn more and donate at nosm.ca/givingtuesday.

Nominations open for the Dr. Sarita Verma Awards for Distinguished Leadership at NOSM University 2025

The third annual NOSM University Achievement Celebration will take place again on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario, as part of the Northern Constellations conference.

This gala event honours excellence and leadership among individuals in the NOSM University community.

In 2025, NOSM University learners, staff, and faculty members will again be honoured with the Dr. Sarita Verma Awards for Distinguished Leadership at NOSM University, which were established last year by Dr. Sarita Verma.

The awards will be given to three recipients in the Northwest and three in the Northeast, representing a learner, staff member, and faculty member, respectively. Recipients need not reside in Thunder Bay or Greater Sudbury.

Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, such as effective communication, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to NOSM University’s values and mission, and contributed significantly to the betterment of the NOSM University community. Learners, staff, or faculty can nominate their peers for the awards. All current part- and full-time learners, staff, and faculty are eligible.