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Rehab Testimonials

Meriem El Attar, Laurentian University

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My clinical placement, completed through NOSM University (NOSM U), marked the culmination of my academic journey in speech-language pathology. It was an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience.

From start to finish, the support, organization, and supervision I received were truly outstanding. My clinical experience at the Timmins and District Hospital was incredibly diverse, providing numerous opportunities to apply my knowledge in a hospital setting. I had the opportunity to work with patients across various departments, including acute care, rehabilitation, and the stroke unit. This was made possible thanks to the guidance and mentorship of the dedicated speech-language pathologists in the rehabilitation department, who were exceptionally attentive and generous in sharing their expertise.

One of the most memorable aspects of this placement was participating in Modified Barium Swallow Studies. I also had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional multidisciplinary team that included family physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and social workers. This experience enabled me to apply key concepts from NOSM U’s Francophone Active Offer training, emphasizing the importance of delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate care.

I am deeply grateful for this incredible experience and extremely proud to have completed my clinical placement in such a supportive, stimulating, and welcoming environment.

Thank you, NOSM University and Laurentian University!

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NOSM University Medical Student Receives Prestigious Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award

Matthew Redmond, a medical student at NOSM University, has been awarded the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award for 2025. The award recognizes a second-year student from each medical school across Canada who has demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to collaborative and innovative approaches in health care.

“I am very grateful to have received this year’s Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award and to be able to represent NOSM University in this way,” says Redmond. “There have been so many mentors along the way who have shaped my journey—from sport to the operating room, and everywhere in between.”

Originally from Manitoulin Island, Redmond learned the value of community, innovation, and perseverance: principles which continue to guide him today in both his academic and professional life. In 2023, he earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Ottawa, where he conducted an honours thesis on spinal neural circuits after traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Currently, Redmond is researching pediatric tSCI epidemiology at NOSM University. Redmond has held previous research roles in the Neural Circuits for Movement Lab at University College London and supported a pediatric concussion clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).

As current President of the NOSM University Student Council, Redmond works to enhance the student experience, and advocate for his peers. Beyond his academic pursuits, Redmond is a longtime board member of the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates, working toward transforming active living infrastructure in his community. As former co-President of Learning for Charity at the University of Ottawa, he helped the organization raise tens of thousands of dollars for CHEO.

“This award recognizes Matthew Redmond’s deep commitment to health equity and social accountability—two core values of NOSM University,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame awards recognize future physicians, like Matthew, who are dedicated to building a more just and inclusive health-care system.”

“Doctors go into medicine because they want to make the world a better place and if this year’s student awardees are any indication, Canada is in good hands,” says Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Margot Burnell. “It’s a privilege to recognize their passion and dedication and we look forward to their future successes for the benefit of their patients and communities.”

Recipients of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Calgary, 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 people 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.

Northern Routes

Strengthening Northern Roots: Research, Residency, and Renewal

As July concludes and we look to August, this is an opportune moment to reflect on recent accomplishments and set our sights on the academic year to come. NOSM University continues to grow in both scope and impact, and the activities of the past month have reinforced our commitment to excellence in socially accountable health education and research across Northern Ontario.

Northern Health Research Conference Marks 20 Years of Impact

In June, the Northern Health Research Conference commemorated its 20th anniversary in Thunder Bay. This significant milestone brought together over 155 researchers, learners, faculty and staff from across the region to share emerging knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance research that directly addresses the health challenges of Northern Ontario.

Keynote presentations and research posters showcased a broad spectrum of innovation, including a compelling presentation by Dr. Kristen Morin on the opioid crisis in the context of Northern Ontario, identifying the effectiveness of opioid agonist therapy, harm reduction, and promoting compassion for individuals with opioid use disorder. All NHRC content is now available on NOSM University’s YouTube channel @nosmtv. 

Congratulations to this year’s student award recipients. Your achievements reflect the caliber of research excellence and social accountability that defines the NOSM University environment. 

Welcoming the Next Generation of Resident Physicians

Summer marks a time of remarkable change for the many residents across the North entering the next phase of their medical education. To all residents who have joined NOSM University, I extend a warm welcome. Your decision to train in Northern Ontario speaks volumes about your commitment to addressing health equity and delivering care in underserved communities. 

Residency is a period of intensive professional and personal growth. While the challenges are real, the opportunity to make a measurable difference in people’s lives is equally significant. Whether you completed your MD degrees at NOSM University or are joining us from another institution, you are part of a growing network of health professionals committed to improving care in the North. 

Recognizing Graduates of the Dietetic Practicum Program

In late July, we honoured graduates from the Dietetic Practicum Program. These graduates have trained in diverse communities across the region, going above and beyond to support the needs of Northerners in a way that is person-centered, culturally relevant, accessible, and thoughtful. Their success reflected not only their own determination and skill but also the guidance and support of the preceptors, faculty and staff who contributed to their training. To all involved, thank you for advancing interprofessional education and for strengthening the health system in our region.

CampMed 2025: Investing in Future Health Leaders

This year’s CampMed program welcomed high-school students from across Northern Ontario to explore careers in health care through experiential learning and mentorship. Over the two weeks of camp, each group of campers (in Sudbury and in Thunder Bay respectively) engaged in clinical skills workshops including a Francophone health-focussed session, Indigenous cultural activities, and interdisciplinary learning with professionals in dietetics, physiotherapy, nursing, and medicine. 

Initiatives like CampMed demonstrate NOSM University’s long-term commitment to early outreach and capacity-building within Northern, Francophone and Indigenous communities. I would like to acknowledge the many faculty members, learners, staff and volunteers who made this year’s program a success. Your efforts are helping to shape the health leaders of tomorrow. 

Strategic Planning Update: Thank You for Your Input

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent survey and consultations as part of NOSM University’s strategic planning process. Your thoughtful feedback on our vision, mission, values, and emerging priorities for the next five years is helping to shape a focused Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.

To date, we have engaged with 720+ individuals, held 24 consultation events, and visited more than 18 communities, along with 22 one-on-one interviews. The survey is now closed, and we are in the process of analyzing your insights to refine the strategic pillars and directions that will guide our path forward.

Next steps include additional workshops and a second survey to validate the direction and confirm what we have heard. These activities will take place between August and early October.

Thank you again for your engagement and continued support. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into the next phase of this important work.

Looking Ahead

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and finding time to relax and recharge. Northern Ontario is truly at its best this time of year, and I’ve been taking full advantage—kayaking on Lake Nepahwin, walking the trails in Bell Park, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sleeping Giant and Kakabeka Falls. Whether you’re discovering new spots or revisiting old favourites, I encourage you to get outside and soak up all the beauty this season has to offer.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO
If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

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Join us during Orientation Week

NOSM University’s 2025 Orientation Week is right around the corner! This week-long campus wide event is designed to welcome our incoming learners as they transition into being proud members of the NOSM University community. With a mix of interactive sessions, community engagement, and team-building activities, new students will be introduced to the principles that guide learning at NOSM University—collaboration, respect, equity, and a deep commitment to improving health in Northern Ontario and beyond.

Orientation Week also offers meaningful opportunities for faculty and staff to meet the incoming class, foster early connections, and begin building the supportive relationships that define the NOSM University experience. Whether you’re a learner, educator, or staff member, this week sets the tone for a year of collaboration, growth, and community. For more information on the activities that will be taking place, please visit the 2025 Orientation Week webpage.

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