NOSM University is thrilled to announce that its External Relations team has been honoured with two 2024 Gold Quill Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The team received accolades in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication division, as well as in the Creative Design for The Future Will See You Now campaign. The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) also awarded NOSM University Silver awards for Best Integrated Communications and Best in Show categories at their National Awards of Excellence Gala on June 11, 2024.

“Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our External Relations team,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “Their ability to deliver high-impact, innovative campaigns with a limited budget and resources is truly commendable. This recognition highlights the excellence and creativity that define NOSM University.”

The Future Will See You Now is an integrated marketing and communications campaign launched to increase NOSM University’s brand recognition and community engagement, and generate a new donor base. NOSM University specifically set out to build a $50 million endowment fund for student financial aid. The creative slogan is a play on the phrase, “the doctor will see you now,” and is an invitation to donors to step out of a philanthropic “waiting room,” over a new threshold, and into the future of medical education to help alleviate student debt and encourage future physicians to stay in Northern Ontario.

All campaign elements were conceptualized, developed, and implemented in-house, demonstrating the team’s exceptional talent and resourcefulness.

“It is an honour to be recognized on both national and international stages,” says Joanne Musico, Associate Vice-President, External Relations at NOSM University. “Our team’s commitment to excellence and passion for storytelling has driven us to achieve remarkable results. These awards celebrate our collective efforts to enhance NOSM University’s brand and communicate our mission as we continue to work towards health equity in Northern Ontario.”

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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 the awards

IABC Gold Quill Awards: The Gold Quill Awards have celebrated communication excellence for more than 40 years, recognizing business communication’s most outstanding work globally.

CPRS Awards: The Canadian Public Relations Society’s awards honor outstanding public relations and communications campaigns in Canada, highlighting best practices and innovation in the field.

Alumni Stories, Francophone Features, Gallery, In the Spotlight

Dr. Melanie Langille Named NOSM University’s New Global Health Coordinator

Thursday July 4th, 2024 Caroline Cox

NOSM University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melanie Langille as Global Health Coordinator, effective July 1, 2024.

A NOSM University alumna, Dr. Langille is a bilingual hospitalist physician at Health Sciences North and a palliative care physician at Maison McCulloch Hospice. Dr. Langille is also an Assistant Professor at NOSM University and the Health Sciences North Hospitalist Clinical Educator Lead. Her global health experience includes a diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and providing inpatient care and education in northern Ghana.

On behalf of the NOSM University community, we extend an immense thank you to Dr. Alex Anawati, outgoing Global Health Coordinator. “We are so grateful to Dr. Anawati for his incredible vision and commitment to health equity for all,” says Dr. David Marsh, Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies. “We welcome Dr. Langille to this important role and look forward to her insights and contributions.”

In the Spotlight

NODIP Renamed Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP)

Tuesday July 2nd, 2024 Tara Hawkes

Effective fall 2024, the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP) will be renamed the NOSM University Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP).

This strategic name change aligns with recent Ontario legislation changes regarding paid internships. Furthermore, the change integrates the Dietetic Practicum Program into university governance and addresses the redundancy of the designation “Northern Ontario” appearing in both the university and current program title.

This change was approved by the NOSM University Academic Quality Assurance Committee on April 30, 2024 and by Senate on June 13, 2024.

While the name of NOSM University’s dietetic program is changing, the quality and integrity of our program will remain exceptional. DPP will continue to offer outstanding opportunities for learning and professional development in the field of dietetics.

Key points regarding the transition:

Effective date: The new program name will take effect in fall 2024.
Incoming class: The 2024-25 dietetic learner cohort will be the first group to enroll in the NOSM University DPP.
Graduation: This incoming cohort will be the first to graduate under the new name in July 2025.
Recruitment: Marketing efforts for the 2025-26 academic year will be conducted under the new program name.

This change will further enhance our program’s visibility and alignment with academic institutions while maintaining our commitment to high-quality dietetics education and training.

We acknowledge that after 17 years, this is a significant change. Many of our colleagues have been with NOSM University since our inaugural cohort began the program in 2007. While our mission remains the same, we are positioning ourselves to seize new opportunities for dietetic learners and Registered Dietitians in Northern Ontario.