This year, we launch our inaugural NOSM University Achievement Celebration, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, faculty and alumni. Hosted at our Northern Constellations conference on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Thunder Bay, we will be recognizing everyone who has achieved something remarkable this year, and handing out awards in select categories from Learner Affairs, Faculty Affairs and Alumni Relations. We do incredible things at—and after—NOSM University. Let’s celebrate our successes! Purchase your tickets for dinner and the celebration of the year here!
NOSM University receives $500,000 gift from Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation
Donation supporting Northeastern MD students will be matched by FDC Foundation
The Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation has donated $500,000 to support NOSM University students from Northeastern Ontario. The gift will be matched by the FDC Foundation, creating a $1 million endowment for undergraduate medical students from communities along the Highway 11 corridor, including Hearst, Kapuskasing, Timmins, and Cochrane.
“We are so grateful to the Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation for their continued vision, generosity and support,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “Truly, they are investing in a healthier future for all Northern Ontarians.”
The foundation, created by celebrated Cochrane, Ontario philanthropists Marcel and Frances Labelle, has a history of supporting health and education in Northeastern Ontario. Notably, the Foundation made a naming gift in 2022 which helped to realize the creation of the Labelle Innovation and Learning Centre at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, an integral partner to NOSM University.
“It’s an honour to play a part in the development of doctors to the benefit of citizens of northeastern Ontario,” says Ehor Bobby, President, Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation.
“This foundation understands that students from Northern Ontario are more likely to stay to practise in the North,” continues Dr. Verma. “It equally understands that Northern health care is a complex ecosystem, and that many stakeholders must invest wisely to make it work. Backing our students is always a wise investment.”
The Marcel and Frances Labelle Endowment Fund will support up to three eligible medical students annually, beginning this year, at a minimum of $10,000 per year.
Since 2005, NOSM University has been delivering on its mandate. It has graduated 838 MDs, 65 of whom are Indigenous, and 171 of whom are Francophone. More than half of NOSM graduates have stayed in Northern Ontario. NOSM University estimates that about 400,000 people have been helped so far by a graduate.
NOSM University has embarked upon a mission to raise the first $50 million for its Student Endowment Fund. Read more about that effort here.
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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, please contact: news@nosm.ca
NOSM University and Laurentian University Celebrate New Research Agreement
Vital Northern health research will continue—and perhaps expand—thanks to a new deal reached by NOSM University and Laurentian University.
A new research agreement has been negotiated by the universities following the establishment of NOSM University as Canada’s first independent medical university in 2021.
“Our institutions have always worked closely on Northern health research,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “We have an opportunity to continue to leverage each others’ strengths to better serve the needs of Northern Ontario.”
Laurentian University has collaborated with and supported NOSM University since its inception. Where NOSM University has emerged to play a critical role in Northern and rural medical and clinical research, Laurentian has the systems and supports in place to enable such a high level of research.
“The diversity of Laurentian’s research interests and expertise will allow this collaboration to extend beyond traditional health research. Leveraging researchers in business, the arts, and even disciplines like engineering will open new opportunities,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
“We have a shared interest to strengthen research capacity and attract more research funding to Northern Ontario,” says Dr. David Marsh, Vice Dean, Research Innovation and International Relations at NOSM University. “Continued research alongside aligned health-research partners is a must if we’re going to help solve the health-care challenges in Northern Ontario and beyond.”
“This is for our universities, and for the people of the North,” says Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University. “Working together, researchers and students at NOSM University and Laurentian University will be able to address many of the critical research questions raised by community and industry partners.”
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About Laurentian University (Akinomaagegamik):
Laurentian University serves over 8,000 students on its campus in Sudbury, Ontario, and is one of two bilingual universities in the province of Ontario. Committed to its bilingual, tri-cultural mandate, Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.
Media contact:
Sarah de Blois, Communications Officer, Laurentian University
communications@laurentian.ca | sl_deblois@laurentian.ca
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.
Media Contact:
news@nosm.ca
