For many people living in the North, access to cancer care can be difficult to access, due to geographical hurdles. Access to clinical trials is even more limited. Drs. Stacey Santi and Lacey Pitre, medical oncology researchers at the Health Science North Research Institute (HSNRI), are working to change that.

Using the Canadian Remote Access Framework for Clinical Trials (CRAFT) model, patients who live far away from Health Sciences North (HSN) can access potentially lifesaving clinical trial treatments through a hospital or clinic in their local community. The site chosen for the first trial was in Timmins.

Having received a grant from Pfizer, the Quebec Lung Cancer Association, and Lung Cancer Canada, Drs. Santi and Pitre are working on a second study to look at the quality of life and satisfaction of care of people receiving care on a clinical trial for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer open in sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and now Timmins.

“It’s a gateway to ensure all patients, including those who live in the North, can be included in clinical trials,” said Dr. Lacey Pitre, a NOSM University alumna (MD, 2010).

Drs. Pitre and Santi are both Assistant Professors at NOSM University. They’ve been working together since 2022 on cancer research and collaborate with other researchers. They are also working to understand the financial burden of care for cancer patients in Northeastern Ontario, as well as the epidemiology of early onset colorectal cancer. They would like to see continued research collaborations and research across Northern Ontario.

“My wish for research—and specifically cancer research in Northern Ontario—is continued collaborations and successful research projects and research outcomes,” said Dr. Santi. Dr. Santi, who is also the Health Sciences North Foundation Research Chair in Cancer Solutions at HSNRI.

“A lot of this research is only possible because of the participants that consent to be in our studies and also the people that help fund our research studies,” she added.

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Leaving a lasting legacy

Thursday May 1st, 2025 Marieta-Rita Osezua

May is Legacy Giving Month, a time to reflect on the impact we can have beyond our lifetime. Imagine shaping the future of health care in Northern Ontario by supporting the education of tomorrow’s doctors. Legacy giving is a powerful way to ensure that your generosity continues for generations, helping to transform lives and communities through medical education.

There are many ways to leave a legacy, including gifts of life insurance and through your will.

A gift of life insurance: Create a lasting impact

Sandra Knight is a retired teacher currently living in Ottawa but grew up in Fort William, now Thunder Bay, Ontario. She has decided to leave her life insurance to NOSM University. She chose NOSM University because she believes in the power of education, especially medical education in the North.

“Lack of adequate medical care across our country is an ongoing problem. Education is key to a solution and the innovation at NOSM is a step in the right direction,” she said. For Sandra, her donation is a way to sustain future medical students, remove barriers to education and leave a legacy by paying it forward.

A gift in your will: A legacy of support

Dr. Smith (name has been changed), a long-time Northern Ontario physician, has chosen to leave a gift in his will to NOSM University. His decision was inspired by decades of first-hand experience seeing the challenges faced by rural and remote communities in accessing health care.

By including NOSM University in his will, Dr. Smith ensures that future medical students will have the financial support they need to pursue their studies and serve the communities most in need.

How You Can Make a Difference

You have the power to make a lasting impact on medical education in the North. By leaving a legacy gift—whether through life insurance, a gift in your will, or other options—you help create opportunities for future healthcare leaders and improve access to care in Northern Ontario.

To learn more about legacy giving at NOSM University, visit our website at Legacy Gifts or contact Cherie Kok, Director of Advancement, at advancement@nosm.ca. Join us in shaping the future of health care in the North.

In the Spotlight

Celebrate and Collaborate at Northern Constellations and Connections

Thursday April 17th, 2025 Tara Hawkes

NOSM University’s annual faculty and preceptor conference, Northern Constellations and Connections is taking place from May 8-10, 2025! Join NOSM University faculty, preceptors, alumni and more for two days of learning, networking and skill building at Northern Ontario’s foremost medical conference.

This year’s event is more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of 20 years of transformative medical education, research excellence, and health equity in Northern Ontario— NOSM University’s 20^th Anniversary. It’s your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and commemorate the incredible impact of our shared work.

The conference will include keynote speakers, and two popular simulation workshops: Insertion and Removal of Etonogestrel Subdermal Contraceptive Implant and the Learning Addictions Treatment through simulation, breakout sessions, opportunities to connect with colleagues within NOSM University as well as make new connections.

The 2025 Northern Constellations and Connections also includes the Northern Lights Pan Northern Leadership Forum for Northern Ontario faculty, preceptors, and administrators. This forum will focus on leadership in the context of AI and rapid expansion, prioritization and conflict resolution. Northern Lights also features the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) in addition to two special guest speakers.

The Achievement Celebration will be an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration, honouring the outstanding contributions of leaders in health care, education, and community impact. We will celebrate the achievements of faculty, learners, alumni, and staff, whose dedication over the past 20 years continues to shape the future of medical education and research in the North.

In 2024, a conference participant said, “The CEPD team did an amazing job of bringing Northern Ontario to Toronto. The conference was very well organized and truly felt like a professional conference. I loved all of the special touches.”

In 2025, we’re raising the bar even higher. Join us for this unique conference, which blends professional development with the heart and soul of Northern Ontario and NOSM University.

Experience the best of Northern Ontario’s medical community—it promises to be a lively and incredible experience. Register today. From meaningful learning to unforgettable moments—you won’t want to miss it.