Starting in Fall 2025, students in NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) will be eligible for bursaries totaling $8,000.

These bursaries mark the first time funding has been available for students entering DPP, thereby reducing financial barriers to completing the program. The bursaries were generously created by Dr. Marion Briggs, the Director of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Education at NOSM University from 2012 and 2018.

As part of her role, Dr. Briggs managed the Dietetic Practicum Program—formerly known as the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program, or NODIP—of which she is an enthusiastic supporter.

“It’s an exceptional program, unlike any other in the province, that is crucial to the health of Northern Ontarians and unique,” she said. “Graduates of DPP tend to stay in the North and make key contributions to address critical health challenges related to nutrition and food security. These are serious issues in Northern Ontario generally and disproportionately affect rural and remote, and Indigenous populations,” she added.

The program provides opportunities for students to work in a variety of settings enables them to understand the nuances and challenges of dietetics, food insecurity and nutrition for various population groups particularly rural, remote, and Indigenous populations.

Dr. Briggs offered the Drs. McElhaney and Briggs Dietetic Practicum Scholarship to learners entering the program in part to help address the shortage of dietetic professionals in Northern Ontario.

Unlike other Dietetic Practicum Programs in Ontario, DPP students have no access to government funding assistance—they carry significant debt, and the program fees are a deal-breaker for many who would otherwise love to learn about, and serve in, the North. “This is a crisis that must be addressed,” Dr. Briggs said.

Less graduates from the program means fewer dietitians working across the North. To date, NOSM University has graduated 207 learners who go on to become Registered Dietitians. Notably, 75% of the last three graduate cohorts are practising in Northern Ontario.

“Dietitians are essential health advocates. There are so many nutrition related illnesses in the North that impact rural and remote populations,” Briggs said. “Northern Ontario depends on graduates from this program to staff the North with Registered Dietitians.”

Cara Green, Manager of DPP, was emotional hearing that new bursaries will be available to students. “We are here to address the health human resource needs of Northern Ontario.” she said. “So, knowing that DPP will be more accessible to learners because of Dr. Briggs’ generous support is incredible.”

She hopes that the bursaries will reduce the financial burden for dietetic students and enable them to focus on their learning experience as they pursue their RD credential.

The bursary extends the commitment and generosity of Dr. Briggs to the DPP program and NOSM University, and extends the legacy of Marion’s life partner, Dr. Janet McElhaney (1954-2021), whose lasting legacy was the care of older adults and collaborative health-care practices.

Learn more about NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program and how to qualify for a bursary.

Board, Homepage News, Media Releases, News

Join the NOSM University Board of Governors

Thursday January 30th, 2025 Alexandra Poling

Make a Difference in Northern Ontario

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university, dedicated to transforming health-care education and delivery in Northern Ontario. Guided by innovation, inclusivity, and social accountability, we aim to improve access to quality health care.

We are seeking dedicated individuals with expertise in higher education governance, financial management, or legal to join NOSM University’s Board of Governors. With some positions to start as early as June 2025, you can help shape the future of equitable health care in Northern Ontario.

NOSM University’s vision of Innovative education and research for a healthier North means we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality education to physicians and health professionals, and continue to be a leader in distributed, learning-centred, community-engaged education and research.

We are especially committed to fostering diversity and encourage applications from Indigenous and Francophone candidates.

Applications are open until 4:00 p.m. on February 21, 2025. Apply now.

Visit NOSM University’s website for more information or to apply. Together, we can make a difference!

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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 peoples 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 or an interview opportunity, please contact: news@nosm.ca.

Northern Routes

Celebrating 20 Years

Tuesday January 28th, 2025 Alexandra Poling

When I joined NOSM University, I was drawn to its rich and unconventional history. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in its unique culture connecting with the incredible people, communities, and organizations that champion our mission and vision. It’s been a remarkable journey for our learners, faculty, staff, and interest holders across Northern Ontario and I look forward to deepening my understanding as I continue to meet all those who have played a role in shaping this outstanding institution.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of NOSM University—marking the day we opened our doors and welcomed the first group of medical students on September 6, 2005—I invite you to celebrate in several ways this year. Below are a few you can participate in while honouring the remarkable community that has brought us to this milestone.

The Bring a Doctor Home Hockey Tournament in Sault Ste. Marie was a great success. From January 20-25, 2025, the Bring a Doctor Home Hockey Tournament was held at the John Rhodes Arena. All proceeds go toward the Bring a Doctor Home Bursary, helping students with ties to Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma pursue medical education. View the photo gallery.
Join us for this year’s President’s Lecture Series titled Health Equity: Improving Care for Indigenous Children. With keynote speaker, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, this year’s President’s Lecture Series will reflect on nearly 20 years of Jordan’s Principle, the child welfare system, and advancing health equity. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. live on YouTube.
Attend a Knowledge Sharing Circle hosted by Indigenous Affairs. Knowledge Sharing Circles are scheduled throughout the year and play a large part in fostering a culture of kinship, reciprocity, and growth that is often overlooked in academic settings. All NOSM University learners, staff and faculty are welcome. RSVPs are encouraged for catering purposes. See the upcoming events here.
Reflect on the journey, milestones, and achievements that brought us here. The NOSM University Challenge, our Strategic Plan spanning 2021-2025, is in its final year. The NOSM University Reports website does an excellent job of capturing so much of the work completed over the years.
Honour the natural beauty of Northern Ontario communities. NOSM University spans more than 90 communities across Northern Ontario. Northerners strongly value their natural environment, home to picturesque sights such as Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Cascades Conservation Area, Batchawana Bay Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Rushing River Provincial Park, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, Wolf Lake Old Growth Forest, and the Laurentian Escarpment.
Learn more about NOSM University’s focus on social accountability. In 2020, NOSM University made its commitment to the environment known by forming the Action on Climate Change Committee. Learn more about the Action on Climate Change Committee.
Save the date and join us for the Northern Lights, Constellations, and Connections conference. NOSM University’s Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) Office is hosting the leadership and professional development conference on May 8-10, 2025, in Toronto. With a special focus on Medical and Health Sciences Faculty Development, the conference brings together hands-on training, learning experiences, and networking opportunities for faculty and preceptors. Proposal submissions are open until February 3 at noon.
Recognize the incredible achievements of faculty, staff, alumnus, and learners. Hosted during the Northern Lights, Constellations and Connections conferences, the third annual NOSM University Achievement Celebration is a testament to our community’s accomplishments in the health education and research sector. The achievement celebration will take place at the Delta Toronto Airport Hotel on May 9, 2025.
Take a walk down memory lane at this year’s Alumni events. Reconnect with friends, meet other alumni, and celebrate NOSM University’s 20-year milestone. The Alumni Dinner will be held at the Old Mill Restaurant in Toronto on May 8, 2025. Alumni can RSVP here. Later in the year, the Homecoming offers a full day of family-friendly activities, followed by an adults-only evening celebration. Both events take place on June 13, 2025, see the event details below:

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Family BBQ (Family Friendly)
NOSM University, main lobby in both Sudbury and Thunder Bay

7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Adults Only)
Sudbury – Science North, 3rd floor Northern Ecosystems
Thunder Bay – Bight Restaurant

Submit an abstract to the Northern Health Research Conference. Advancing health research has been a focus throughout my career. The Northern Health Research Conference provides our faculty, learners, and researchers the opportunity to share their cutting-edge work with the broader community of researchers in Northern Ontario. This year, the conference will be hosted in-person in Thunder Bay from June 16-17, 2025, and is available online in a hybrid format. Submit an abstract.

Join me in celebrating 20 years of NOSM University and recognizing the incredible potential that lies before us. It is also a time to look ahead and shape the future of NOSM University.

We are embarking on a new strategic planning process this year to envision what the next 20 years will look like. This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on our past, build on our strengths, and chart a course for continued innovation and impact. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming opportunities and dates to share your thoughts—we want to hear from you as we work together to define the next chapter of our journey.

I am thrilled to be a part of building a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for Northern Ontario, and to have the support and trust of our outstanding community.

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO
NOSM University

If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

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Join the NOSM University Board of Governors

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university, uniquely positioned to address the health-care needs of Northern Ontario. With a mission rooted in innovation, social accountability, and inclusivity, NOSM University is dedicated to improving health outcomes and strengthening the communities we serve. As a member of our Board of Governors, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of a university that is transforming healthcare education and delivery, ensuring it is equitable and accessible to all.

In our commitment to represent the diverse population of Northern Ontario, we particularly encourage applications from Indigenous and Francophone candidates, whose perspectives and lived experiences are essential to driving our mission forward.

We are seeking expertise in:

University (Higher Education) Policy, Governance, and/or Management

Contribute your knowledge of academic systems, institutional governance, or administrative leadership to foster excellence in our university’s operations and mission.

Financial Management, Planning, and Accounting

Leverage your experience in financial strategy, risk management, or oversight— preferably with a professional designation (e.g., CPA)—to ensure NOSM U’s financial sustainability and growth.

Legal Expertise

Provide critical insights into legal and regulatory matters, offering guidance on compliance, risk mitigation, and institutional governance.
NOSM University is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, and supports diversity and inclusion in its teaching, learning and work environments. Membership of the Board is drawn widely to achieve the balance of skills and expertise required to enable the Board to fulfill its governance responsibilities.

Applications Now Open
We are currently accepting applications for appointment on our Board.

Learn More:
Interested individuals can find detailed information about the role by visiting Join Our Board.

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your application through our online application portal by 4:00 PM on February 21, 2025. Your submission should include:

A current resume
A written statement explaining your interest in serving on the Board
Contact details for three references

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to our mission and make an impact!

Apply now!

President’s Lecture Series – Health Equity: Improving Care for Indigenous Children

Watch live on YouTube @NOSMtv.

Health-care learners and professionals will engage in meaningful discussions on issues critical to health care in Northern Ontario and beyond. This year’s focus is on Indigenous Children’s Health, with an emphasis on the resources available to support them, child care strategies, and the unique challenges faced by remote communities.

We are honoured to have Dr. Cindy Blackstock, NOSM University’s Chancellor, as our keynote speaker. She will address the pivotal role of Jordan’s Principle in improving access to services for Indigenous children. Following her keynote, we are bringing together a panel of experts to further explore this important topic.
Panelists will include:

Dr. Erin Peltier
Jyles Copenace
Katie Root