NOSM University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Dave McLinden as Clinical Expansion Lead, effective October 1, 2024. Dr. McLinden brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this pivotal role, driving the University’s ambitious expansion goals and shaping the future of health-care education in Northern Ontario.

Dr. McLinden has been a dedicated member of the NOSM University community since its inception, deeply invested in its mission and success. He has over 30 years of experience in rural clinical teaching, supporting both medical students and postgraduate medical learners across Northern Ontario.

With leadership extending beyond clinical practice to include significant contributions to faculty development, Dr. McLinden has played a supporting role in the development of NOSM University’s Clinical Teacher Certificate, serving as a member of the Scientific Planning Committee and content developer. He also contributed to the development of the Preceptor Training Camp, further demonstrating his dedication to ensuring high-quality educational experiences for future health-care professionals.

As a Site Liaison Clinician (SLC) in Huntsville since 2007, he has been at the forefront of engaging with other communities across NOSM University. Dr. McLinden also held leadership positions on various committees and boards within the hospital, community, and education sectors.

Dr. McLinden’s expertise in medical education, rural health care, and faculty development make him an ideal candidate to lead NOSM University’s clinical expansion initiatives. He will report directly to the President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO, and work in close collaboration with educational leadership within the President’s Office, the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) and Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) portfolios.

In addition, he will serve as an active member of NOSM University’s Task Force on Expansion (ETF) and will liaise with the Northern Ontario Academic Medicine Association (NOAMA) and the Physician Clinical Teachers’ Association (PCTA), Section Chairs and regional sites. Dr. McLinden’s extensive network of connections and his deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities will be invaluable as NOSM University continues to expand its medical education programs across Northern Ontario.

“The clinical teacher is the bedrock of education here at NOSM University,” says Dr. McLinden. “My goal will always be foremost to support these incredible teachers within their communities and departments through innovation, coordination and advocacy.”

Dr. McLinden’s appointment marks a significant step forward for NOSM University as it continues to create a more accessible and inclusive health-care system for all Ontarians.

Francophone Features, In the Spotlight, Uncategorized

New Francophone Project supports high school students in acquiring new skills

Friday September 13th, 2024 Marieta-Rita Osezua

Starting September 2024, NOSM University will offer medical discovery programs to students in French-language high schools enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major in Health and Well-being and Grade 10 students in the Career Choices course.

The project, “Trace ton parcours vers la médecine,” will offer workshops to engage students in health-care practices, stimulate their interest in health professions, and increase their potential of becoming doctors. The project will take place in 10 schools across Northern Ontario, reaching at least 50 students.

Led by NOSM University’s Francophone Affairs Unit and Francophone medical students who are living and learning in communities in the North as part of their medical education program, these sessions will be fun and engaging.

As part of a first workshop, there is a session on adolescent health followed by practical case studies and taking a patient’s medical history. High school students will gain insight into history-taking with patients, examining the information gathered, communicating effectively, and analyzing the results.

During the second workshop, high school students will learn to create their community experience dossier–an important component of an application to NOSM University’s MD Program. To support potential future Francophone candidates at NOSM University, the project aims to optimize students’ chances of success and, in the long term, increase access to Francophone physicians for Northern Ontarians.

By engaging with Francophone students across communities, we strive to encourage new health professional graduates who will take leadership in improving population health outcomes.

“Trace ton parcours vers la médecine” is coordinated by Sierra Howald, the Francophone Affairs’ Learner Recruitment and Support Coordinator at NOSM University. “This is an opportunity to reach and encourage youth to pursue higher education in Francophone health care and become future Francophone doctors,” Howald said. “We hope that this will help combat language insecurity and build confidence in Francophone students at both NOSM University and high school participants.”

This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education through the Destination réussite initiative, which is unique to French-language education in Ontario with the ultimate goal of supporting students on their path to successful integration in the workforce.

The initiative focuses on engaging learners so that they can take ownership of their success and develop the employability skills they need to actively participate in Ontario’s economy and the development of the Francophone community.

Homepage News, Media Releases, News, Uncategorized

West Nipissing General Hospital becomes newest NOSM University clerkship site, welcomes two NOSM University MD students

Tuesday September 3rd, 2024 Caroline Cox

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) is the newest hospital training location in Northern Ontario for MD students at NOSM University—testament to its deep commitment and partnership with Northern communities in a joint endeavour to meet the need for physicians in Ontario.

As part of the MD program at NOSM University, third-year students must complete a Comprehensive Community Clerkship (CCC). Students are assigned to live and learn in small groups in designated Northern Ontario communities from September to April. The clerkship gives learners an opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and perspectives so that they become suited to medical practice in remote, rural, and underserved communities, as well as to urban practice. The focus of students’ clerkship experience is delivering primary care, including Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics. These placements are critical to learning—but also invaluable for communities.

“Communities like West Nipissing that host NOSM University students have a real opportunity to showcase all the wonderful things about living and working in the North,” says Dr. Peter Istvan, who directs this stage of NOSM University students’ education. “Third year NOSM University students will be in West Nipissing for eight months, providing the opportunity for people in the community to make lasting connections with learners, and leave them with the best possible impression.”

“Exchanging knowledge as we collaborate to provide care is what this clerkship experience is all about,” says Sue LeBeau, CEO of WNGH. “Our WNGH team looks forward to welcoming NOSM University learners to our beautiful community.”

By integrating NOSM University medical students into its team, WNGH and the other clerkship sites across NOSM University’s pan-northern distributed campus not only support the education of future physicians but also create the basis for integration into the community, enhancing recruitment and retention. This ongoing collaboration with NOSM University represents the academic aspects of education and research with cutting-edge medical care at the forefront of health care, taking learning out of the classroom and into the real world.

WNGH’s commitment to both its patients and the broader community makes it a cornerstone of health care in the region, and the introduction of medical students into this environment is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to the hospital’s environment. As NOSM University expands, it welcomes other communities and hospitals like WNGH to add clerkship sites.

NOSM University has existing clerkship sites in Bracebridge, Dryden, Elliot Lake, Fort Frances, Hearst, Huntsville, Kapuskasing, Kenora, Manitoulin Island, Midland, North Bay, Midland, Parry Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Sioux Lookout, Sudbury, Temiskaming Shores, Thunder Bay, and Timmins. West Nipissing becomes NOSM University’s ninth bilingual clerkship site.

“The mutual benefits of hosting MD students during their clerkship are enormous. This new site supports NOSM University’s expansion, which will ultimately lead to more doctors practising in Northern Ontario, and we urge communities and hospitals to join us and to open new sites with us,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University.

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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 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.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca

About West Nipissing General Hospital

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) is a well-established health-care institution in Northern Ontario, offering a wide range of essential services. The hospital’s main services include 24-hour Emergency Care, Inpatient Services with a 99-bed capacity, and Diagnostic Imaging, which includes X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and digital mammography. WNGH also provides comprehensive Laboratory Services, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy, and Mental Health Services. Additionally, the hospital hosts specialized Outpatient Clinics in cardiology and nephrology, among others. Rehabilitation Services such as physiotherapy, along with Palliative Care, are also integral parts of the hospital’s offerings. The inclusion of a Pharmacy and Community Mental Health and Addictions Programs further enhances WNGH’s ability to meet the diverse medical needs of the West Nipissing community.