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NOSM Reiterates its Position Against Racism

NOSM stands strong with its foundational values of social accountability, collaboration, inclusiveness and respect. We continue our commitment to equity, increasing diversity, and strengthening the culture of inclusion at our school. Racism has no place at NOSM.

What is NOSM doing?

  • On May 28, 2020, NOSM announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, as Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion.
  • On June 2, 2020, Dr. Sarita Verma, NOSM Dean, President and CEO, issued a blog vowing to come together to stop racism in its tracks.
  • In June 2020, NOSM will launch the Respect the Difference movement to influence wider change in the culture of medicine and medical education.
  • NOSM’s new strategic plan, which is currently in a validation phase, challenges discrimination, engages in anti-racist language and addresses inequity.

NOSM Board Holds First Virtual Board Retreat

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) held its first virtual-only retreat on May 13, 2020. Due to restrictions on mass gatherings implemented by the Government of Ontario in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the move to a virtual-only meeting reflects NOSM’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of its directors, learners, staff, faculty and the community.

Dr. Sarita Verma, NOSM Dean, President and CEO, began the day highlighting the School’s achievements since her onboarding in July 2019. An overview of NOSM’s response to COVID-19 was also reviewed with key dates and milestones identified to enable academic and business continuity.

The Directors participated in a virtual validation session, facilitated by Dr. Verma and Erik Lockhart, Senior Facilitator, Queen’s Executive Decision Centre, to obtain support and direction from the Board on the continued development of the Strategic Plan.  With the confirmation from the Board on the proposed draft plan, the Dean, President and CEO is directed to move forward with Phase 4 – Development of the Implementation Framework and Validation over the summer.

In its regular meeting of the Board of Directors, each of the standing committees reported updates. The Board approved the 2020-2021 budget, the financial report – budget to actual February 29, 2020, and the audited Pension Financial Statement. As well, the Board received the informative Audit Report outlining the audit strategy and potential impacts of COVID-19 in Grant Thornton’s assessment for the current year.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors is September 30, 2020.

For a complete list of Board members and meetings, please visit our website at nosm.ca/board.

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The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is committed to the education of high-quality physicians and health professionals, and to international recognition as a leader in distributed, learning-centered, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact: news@nosm.ca

NOSM University