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NOSM University Honours Excellence in Health Sciences Education

Exceptional health education begins with exceptional educators. As part of its commitment to strengthening the future health workforce across Northern Ontario, NOSM University celebrated the outstanding contributions of health sciences educators. 

At the Health Sciences Preceptor Awards, held on Friday, June 12 in Sudbury, 17 registered dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, and speech language pathologists were recognized for their excellence in educating the next generation of health sciences professionals. 

Training health-care professionals in Northern Ontario is a proven recruitment strategy that enhances the health-care workforce. Learners completing NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Placement, a required component on the pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian, are more likely to remain in Northern Ontario, with 77% staying in the region after graduation. Visiting physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech language pathology learners complete placements in the North as part of degree programs at universities across Ontario, and many go on to join Northern Ontario’s health-care workforce. 

This education is made possible by more than 650 preceptors who dedicate their time—much of it on a volunteer basis.  

“These preceptors live the values of NOSM University. They strengthen health education right here in the North, and they strive for excellence in teaching, research, and leadership. Their work makes a tangible difference in the health of Northern Ontarians. We are proud to celebrate them with these awards,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University.  

Health Sciences preceptors were recognized across five award categories. 

Northern Ambassador 

This uniquely Northern award celebrates preceptors who are strong ambassadors for their communities, and who create a welcoming environment for learners. 

  • Registered dietitian: Janet Drennan, Fort Frances  
  • Physiotherapist: Riley Waugh, West Nipissing  
  • Occupational therapist: Lauren McKinley and Lauren Rizzo, Sault Ste. Marie 
  • Speech language pathologist: Brenda Liddle, Huntsville 

Commitment to Clinical Education 

These preceptors frequently and enthusiastically participate in and champion clinical education. 

  • Registered dietitian: Adriana Bressan, Sault Ste. Marie  
  • Physiotherapist: Justin Smal, M’Chigeeng First Nation 
  • Occupational therapist: Valérie Fecteau, Sudbury 
  • Audiologist: Manon Ethier, Timmins 

Interprofessional Collaborator 

These preceptors demonstrate leadership in interprofessional learning and collaboration across health professions. 

  • Registered dietitian: Jennifer Santerre-Smith, Sudbury 
  • Physiotherapist: Cam Coulter, Sault Ste. Marie 
  • Occupational therapist: Carrie-Lynne Basto, Sudbury 

Innovative Preceptor Award 

These preceptors embrace innovation in clinical learning. They are prepared to do things differently and innovate to support learners’ needs. 

  • Registered dietitian: Erika Ouellette, Sudbury 
  • Physiotherapist: Aubrey Arnocky, North Bay  
  • Speech language pathologist: Carlee Juurakko, Thunder Bay 

Academic Excellence Award 

These preceptors help drive scholarly activities, including research, mentorship, and academic instruction. 

  • Registered dietitian: Alice Haasdyk, Sudbury 
  • Occupational therapist: Monique Jardine, North Bay  

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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.   

Addressing the Gaps, Alumni Stories, Francophone Features, Gallery, In the Spotlight, Indigenous Stories, Uncategorized

Rural Physicians Fill Gaps in Gender-Affirming Care

A trio of physicians are stepping up to fill major gaps in the health-care system and improve access to gender-affirming care in Northern Ontario. Gender-affirming care can be difficult to access anywhere in Canada, but in rural Northwestern Ontario, patients may travel long distances for even routine health checks.

Blazing a trail in health care for trans and gender-diverse patients are physicians Dr. Alexa Lesperance in Fort Frances, Dr. François Doiron in Dryden, and Dr. Justin Bell in Sioux Lookout—all NOSM University alumni and faculty, as well as members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community themselves.

“Gender-affirming care is lifesaving,” says Dr. Doiron, Assistant Professor. “The risk of depression and suicide in transgender individuals is exponentially higher than in other people, and access to gender-affirming care can be a matter of life or death. In rural communities, there are only a handful of us providing this care.”

Patients from all over Northwestern Ontario—from the Manitoba border to his hometown of Marathon—travel up to 16 hours to see Dr. Doiron in his Dryden clinic, and he visits Thunder Bay to see patients every three months. The Ministry of Health requires an in-person intake appointment before patients can receive care virtually—something Dr. Doiron has worked with the Ontario Medical Association to try to change.

Just over an hour away, in Sioux Lookout, Dr. Bell and a nurse run a regular clinic dedicated to trans patients. They serve patients of all ages and genders, most of whom are Indigenous, from across the Sioux Lookout region. Patients travel from dozens of First Nations communities and may need to take one or two flights to access health care. Phone and virtual appointments are also available.

“Trans people exist in all corners of Canada. Folks living in rural and remote communities often deal with isolation, a lack of queer community, and higher rates of transphobia. Living in rural or remote Northwestern Ontario means access to any kind of health care can be very challenging, and so I wanted to make things a little bit easier for trans and gender-diverse folks,” says Dr. Bell, Assistant Professor.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Bell strives to make a difference through research about trans patients’ experiences with primary care. During his studies in medical school, several of Dr. Bell’s friends came out as trans, sparking his interest in gender-affirming care.

“When my friends came out, I realized that options for accessing care were very limited for most people. Historically getting hormones and surgical referrals meant a lengthy and humiliating referral through the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health in Toronto. In 2016, the Government of Ontario decentralized transgender health care. It opened many doors for patients to access care through their family doctors,” Dr. Bell explains.

Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre on Couchiching First Nation serves patients from First Nations communities in the Fort Frances, Rainy River, and Atikokan areas. While patients may take a shuttle van or drive up to an hour and a half for appointments, care is delivered in patients’ communities when possible. For example, nurses travel directly to reserve communities to provide services such as testosterone injections, which helps people receive ongoing gender-affirming care closer to home and within a culturally safe environment.

Dr. Lesperance, who delivers this care for the Health Access Centre, has always offered gender-affirming care as part of their medical practice, motivated by two strong women in their life.

“My auntie Ms. Mona Hardy-ba was a trans Two Spirit Elder who helped a lot of people in Thunder Bay. I was inspired by the support she offered people, but also by the lack of access she had growing up as a young woman,” says Dr. Lesperance, Clinical Lecturer. “As a medical student in Thunder Bay, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Annabella Zawada, founder of the Umbrella Clinic, which brought gender-affirming care to the city. Her practice of meeting people where they are fundamentally changed the doctor I became. I am grateful for both of these powerful women.”

For all three physicians, the importance of giving back to the queer community helped motivate their decision to deliver gender-affirming care.

“Pride Month is deeply meaningful to me both personally and professionally,” says Dr. Lesperance. “As a queer, non-binary Anishinaabe person, it is a time to celebrate identity, community, and the resilience of 2SLGBTQ+ people. Working in health care, Pride also reminds me of the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and affirmed for who they are.”

“For me, Pride is not only about celebration, but also visibility and advocacy,” shares Dr. Lesperance. “It is important that Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ people see themselves reflected in health-care spaces and know they deserve care that honours their identities and their culture. Pride Month is a reminder of the strength of our communities and the importance of continuing to support people in accessing compassionate, culturally safe care.”

Want to learn more about gender-affirming health care? The NOSM University Health Sciences Library has a 2SLGBTQ+ Subject Guide, which includes a section on Transgender and Intersex Health.

Photo caption: Dr. Alexa Lesperance (left), Dr. François Doiron (top right), and Dr. Justin Bell (bottom right). Photos provided by Drs. Bell and Doiron.
Dr. Lesperance’s photo by Melody Charlie First Nations Photographer, provided courtesy of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.

Gallery, Homepage News, Indigenous Stories, Media Releases, News, Uncategorized

NOSM University and Lakehead University Co-host Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada Gathering

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) hosted its 35th Annual Mentorship Gathering from June 4–7, 2026, in Thunder Bay (Animikii-Wiikwedong), on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation. Proudly cohosted by NOSM University and Lakehead University, this national Gathering brought together approximately 250 Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical students from across Canada.

IPAC’s Annual Mentorship Gathering is a cornerstone event that strengthens community, fosters collaboration, and advances Indigenous health by connecting learners and physicians at all stages of their medical journeys. This is the first time the Gathering has been hosted in Thunder Bay.

Guided by the theme “Leading Together with Love,” the gathering created a space for mentorship, leadership development, and cultural connection. Participants engaged in academic sessions, cultural teachings, and networking opportunities that celebrated Indigenous excellence in medicine and supported the next generation of Indigenous health-care leaders.

Highlights include contributions from two of the host universities’ alumni. Dr. Becky Neckoway, an alumna of both NOSM University and Lakehead who has worked in Indigenous health for 11 years, will deliver the keynote, and Dr. Elycia Monaghan, a NOSM University alumna and current medical resident at Dalhousie University, will facilitate the Gathering’s first Inuit Games session. The Gathering also proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 60 new Indigenous MDs from communities across Canada.

The Gathering marked a special day on the land at Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay), located on Fort William First Nation. “It is a sacred place where the Thunderbird rests, and we have the honour to welcome guests to the traditional territory of the Robinson-Superior Treaty in a good way,” said Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University.

Elders and Knowledge Carriers helped create a safe and supportive space for all participants and provided guidance and cultural teachings. On the land, they facilitated sharing circles and offered traditional teachings, grounding the gathering in respect, connection, and community. It was the largest group of Elders and Knowledge Carriers to ever attend an IPAC Gathering.

“It was an honour to welcome Indigenous physicians and medical learners to Thunder Bay,” said Dr. Michael Green, NOSM University President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO. “Hosting gave us an opportunity to highlight the strength and richness of the Indigenous medical community in Northern Ontario and to connect NOSM University learners, physicians, and Knowledge Carriers with peers from across Canada. It was a unique opportunity to foster mentorship and strengthen relationships that support Indigenous medical education and health.”

“Lakehead University was honoured to partner with NOSM University and the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada to welcome Indigenous physicians, residents, and medical learners from across the country to Thunder Bay,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Gatherings like this strengthen the relationships, mentorship networks, and educational pathways that help Indigenous learners thrive. We are especially proud to celebrate Indigenous leaders such as Dr. Becky Neckoway, whose journey from Lakehead University to a career in Indigenous health demonstrates the impact that community, education, and mentorship can have in shaping the future of health care in Canada.”

“We are deeply grateful to NOSM University and Lakehead University for their partnership in hosting this year’s Annual Mentorship Gathering. Their commitment to advancing Indigenous health and medical education makes this gathering possible and reflects the kind of collaboration needed to support Indigenous learners and physicians across the country,” says Melanie Osmack, Executive Director, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.

 

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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 Lakehead University

Lakehead University is where ambition meets opportunity and where a degree leads to real-world impact. Known for small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unparalleled undergraduate research opportunities, Lakehead has earned national and international recognition for our student-focused approach–including being named Ontario’s #1 primarily undergraduate university by Maclean’s magazine in 2025, and ranked by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as the top university in North America (under 10,000 students) for our commitment to sustainability and social justice.

With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia–and a new STEM Hub opening in Barrie in 2026–Lakehead offers a vibrant, close-knit, nature-rich environment for learning where students enjoy a uniquely balanced and enriching university experience. With more than 65 career-focused programs, Lakehead is a training ground for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—graduates who think critically and drive meaningful impact in their communities and around the world.

For further information, please contact mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca or call 807-343-8944.

About the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) is a national, Indigenous-led organization that supports and advocates for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis medical learners and physicians. IPAC is committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness, increasing the number of Indigenous physicians, and promoting culturally safe care within the healthcare system. Through mentorship, advocacy, education, and community-building, IPAC works to address systemic barriers and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

 

Caption: Physicians, medical learners, medical school support staff, and IPAC Board members attend the Annual Mentorship Gathering in Thunder Bay. Photo credit: Melanie Osmack

NOSM University