It’s not the journey, it’s the company.

Gallery Tuesday October 15th, 2024 Alexandra Poling

I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past five years. Here’s the thing: being the President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University has been one of the greatest honours of my career. It is with a mix of pride and sadness that I prepare to embark on a new chapter.

When I first joined NOSM, I was immediately struck by the unique spirit of this institution. And did we ever test that spirit as we evolved into NOSM University.

NOSM University—it’s more than just a medical school. It’s a university. Canada’s first and only independent University. With a community committed to excellence, innovation, and the profound mission of improving health care in Northern Ontario, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and pushed the boundaries of medical education and research.

To NOSM University faculty and staff: your dedication and passion have been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve worked tirelessly to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become compassionate and competent health-care professionals. Your commitment to our mission has been the backbone of our success, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

And to NOSM University learners: you are the future of health care. Watching you grow, learn, and evolve into the doctors and leaders of tomorrow has been a source of immense pride. Your curiosity, resilience, and dedication are the reasons why NOSM University continues to thrive and make a difference in the communities we serve. I regret that due to the pandemic, I had fewer opportunities meet most of you. I managed to seek out quite a few of you while I was spending time in communities across Northern Ontario, and I enjoyed every minute.

In this fast-paced world, we often find ourselves at crossroads, uncertain of the path to take. Every decision we make shapes our destiny. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the lessons we learn along the way. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, challenges, and triumphs. It’s a tapestry woven with the threads of our experiences, dreams, and the choices we make.

I faced many challenges, and what I learned is that they are opportunities in disguise. They push us to our limits, forcing us to discover strengths we never knew we had.

Embracing challenges transforms us into resilient beings capable of overcoming any obstacle. Challenges create our dreams and lead to the fruition of dreams coming true. We made some definitive and transformative choices at NOSM University, not the least of which was becoming a Canada’s first independent medical university. Then there’s the unprecedented expansion of our medical programs to meet the needs of the people of Northen Ontario and innovation in research, education and health partnerships. And award-winning faculty, staff and students with the highest record of excellence, fully accredited programs and a sound financial base. By all measures, these successes are amazing achievements.

Try not to compare us to others. NOSM University is truly unique. We have been and always will be ahead of curve.

Turning a dream into reality is a journey of passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief. It begins with a vision, a spark of inspiration that ignites your heart. Through hard work and dedication, we have transformed aspirations into tangible achievements. We have made progress on all our directions of The NOSM Challenge, Strategic Plan.

Setbacks tested our resolve, but each step forward brought the dream closer to fruition. I learned to embrace the process, learn from the struggles, and celebrate the milestones. Dreams are the fuel that propels us forward. They ignite the fire within, inspiring us to reach for the stars. But dreams alone are not enough; it takes dedication, hard work, and a steadfast belief in oneself to turn dreams into reality.

I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team, colleagues and friends—together we have made dreams come true. The best dream team of all led by NOSM U Vice Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Associate and Assistant Deans, President’s Office staff, directors, managers as well as our incredible staff and faculty across the organization. You are the fabric of NOSM University, and you have been indelibly imprinted on my heart. I am deeply grateful for you all.

I am in Ottawa until the end of my term on October 31, but plan to visit Thunder Bay and Sudbury in October. This is my last Northern Routes blog, and you no longer have to guess #WhereisDrVerma? on Instagram or X. You can find me in Ottawa on the un-ceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory revelling in my next chapter. My gratitude to you and to Northern Ontario is immense.

Merci. Miigwetch. Thank you.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

NOSM University hosted an event on Monday, September 30, 2024, to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. If you missed it, you can view the update on YouTube @NOSMtv.

You’re invited to the Family Medicine Forum reception

Join Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University for a reception in Vancouver.

📅 Wednesday, November 6, 2024
🕰️ 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
📌 Mahony’s Tavern Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place #36
Vancouver, BC

RSVP

🎧 Coming in October: Get ready for the Northern Routes Podcast!

Coming to you in October 2024! Host Jessica Pope talks with people in the NOSM University community, including students, learners, alumni, elders, faculty, researchers, staff, and community partners, about the latest in health professions education, research, health equity in Northern Ontario, and much, much more.

Episodes will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you have questions or a story pitch, email us any time at podcast@nosm.ca. To send your thanks to someone within or connected to NOSM University, call 807-766-7575 and leave a message. You might hear yourself on the show!

Dr. Joseph LeBlanc named AFMC’s Vice-President, Social Accountability

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) has named Dr. Joseph LeBlanc as its new Vice-President, Social Accountability, a role that he will hold alongside his position as Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion and Assistant Professor, Indigenous Health at NOSM University. Dr. LeBlanc will lead efforts to advance AFMC’s social accountability priorities, including continued efforts to strengthen anti-racism, Indigenous health, Black health, Francophone representation, and planetary health in Canada’s medical schools.

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

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.

New Francophone Project supports high school students in acquiring new skills

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.

Dr. Dave McLinden Appointed Clinical Expansion Lead at NOSM University

NOSM University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Dave McLinden as Clinical Expansion Lead, effective October 1, 2024.

In the Spotlight

Dr. Dave McLinden Appointed Clinical Expansion Lead at NOSM University

Tuesday October 1st, 2024 Tara Hawkes

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

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.