In a ceremony on Friday, July 24, NOSM University celebrated the achievements of six new dietetics graduates. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are essential members of the health-care team who work alongside physicians, nurses, and other professionals to prevent and manage illness through evidence-based nutrition care. Their expertise improves patient outcomes, supports chronic disease management, and helps people live healthier lives.

Following the pandemic, RD vacancies have risen five-fold, with approximately 45 positions currently unfilled across Northern Ontario. NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) is highly effective at addressing the RD health human resource needs of Northern Ontario. Since the program’s creation 19 years ago, more than 50% of graduates have remained in Northern Ontario. These newest alumni will likewise help to fill these gaps, with the majority staying to practise in the North.

Designed to meet the unique needs of Northern communities, the DPP emphasizes health equity and provides specialized training in Indigenous and Francophone health. Today, 13% of program alumni work in roles that focus on Indigenous or Francophone health, reflecting the program’s commitment to improving equitable access to culturally responsive care.

This year’s ceremony marks 221 total graduates since the DPP welcomed its first learners. Notably, 64% of DPP graduates return to volunteer as preceptors, mentoring the next generation of Registered Dietitians and contributing to a sustainable dietetics workforce across Northern Ontario.

“My heartfelt congratulations to these graduates on their incredible accomplishments,” said Dr. Céline Larivière, NOSM University Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “Their training, empathy, and dedication will serve them well as they face the next challenges of their careers. With most graduates remaining in the North, NOSM University is proud that these newest alumni will help improve health outcomes throughout the region.”

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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 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

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is investing in the future of health care across Northern Ontario through a $225,000 gift to NOSM University over the next three years. The funding will help strengthen physician recruitment by increasing awareness of the opportunities to live, learn, and practise medicine across the region.

Northern Ontario communities are working hard to recruit the physicians they need. While every community has unique strengths and opportunities to offer, many have limited capacity to promote themselves to prospective physicians. This gift will help address that challenge by supporting a coordinated recruitment strategy that complements existing local efforts and showcases the region as an exceptional place to build a career and a life.

The initiative will promote the region’s diverse health-care settings and communities through strategic outreach, digital marketing, and high-quality recruitment resources. It will reflect the unique opportunities available in rural, remote, Indigenous, Francophone, and urban communities while aligning with local and regional workforce priorities.

“We want to highlight the strengths of communities across Northern Ontario and the impact of practising medicine here,” says Dr. Sarah Newbery, Associate Dean, Physician Workforce Strategy at NOSM University. “We believe this is an exceptional place to live, learn, and build a career. Every community has a story to tell, and we want future physicians to see Northern Ontario as a place where they can bring their families, grow professionally as doctors and teachers of the next generation, experience a sense of belonging, and have a lasting impact on the health of their communities and the region as a whole.”

NOSM University has a proven track record of educating and retaining physicians in the North through its distributed, community-engaged learning model. The investment will take this work further by helping NOSM University and its partners connect medical students, medical residents, and physicians who are new to the region with opportunities across Northern Ontario.

“We know that attracting physicians is one of the biggest challenges facing many Northern Ontario communities. It’s also one of the most important investments we can make in the region’s future. By supporting NOSM University’s physician recruitment efforts, we’re helping showcase Northern Ontario as a place where doctors can build meaningful careers while strengthening the communities where our employees and their families live,” said Andre Leite, Agnico Eagle Vice-President, Ontario.

“NOSM University is deeply rooted in Northern communities and committed to ensuring the people of Northern Ontario have equitable access to care,” says Dr. Michael Green, NOSM University President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to Agnico Eagle for this generous investment and for their leadership in supporting initiatives that create lasting value for Northern communities. Partnerships like this demonstrate how industry can make a meaningful difference by investing not only in the economic prosperity of the North, but also in the health, well-being, and long-term sustainability of the people and communities.”

 

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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 Agnico Eagle

Canadian-based and led, Agnico Eagle is Canada’s largest mining company and the second largest gold producer in the world, operating mines in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. The Company is advancing a pipeline of high-quality development projects in these regions to support sustainable growth over the next decade.

Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Ontario – Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Media Contact

Cameron Grant

Manager, Communications, Ontario

Cameron.grant@agnicoeagle.com