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20 Years of NOSM University

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Celebrating Our Legacy, Welcoming Our Future

Hello, Aanin, Boozhoo, Tanshi, Kwe Kwe, Bonjour,

Today, we celebrate a significant milestone; the 20th anniversary of NOSM University opening its doors for the very first time. From its beginnings in 2005 as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, NOSM University has flourished into Canada’s first independent medical university. This year, we also marked another extraordinary achievement. We celebrated the graduation of our 1,000th MD.

None of this has happened alone. NOSM University today is the result of years of hard work and determination by those who believed in what it could become—a driving force for health equity and stronger communities in Northern Ontario.

As we honour 20 years of progress and partnership, we are reminded that NOSM University’s greatest strength lies in its people: the 56 medical students who, in 2005, believed in a newly created model of distributed, community-engaged learning; the countless faculty, preceptors, staff, and community partners who continue to carry its mission forward; and those who are now joining our community of learners.  I recently had a chance to catch up with Dr. Roger Strasser, Founding Dean Emeritus, to share an update about these milestone achievements and to thank him for his vision and dedication to creating this unique and special institution.

This fall, that legacy continues. Since becoming President, I’ve had the honour of welcoming new residents this past July, the newest group of medical students last week, and, next Monday, the incoming class of the Dietetic Practicum Program.  To all of you, I extend my warmest welcome. Thank you for making NOSM University part of your story, and for choosing to study in Northern Ontario. It is my sincere hope that you feel supported and empowered as you begin this exciting new chapter.

Your time here will challenge and inspire you. You will learn from incredibly skilled faculty, work alongside dedicated preceptors and physicians, many of whom are NOSM University alumni. You will be embraced by communities across the North, who will remind you that the most meaningful lessons often happen outside the classroom.

As you begin your journey to becoming health-care professionals, remember to care for yourselves with the same compassion and patience that you show others. Careers in health care can be demanding, but by being curious, seizing every opportunity and supporting one another, you will make a lasting impact.

Welcome to NOSM University! You are the future of health care in the North, and we are excited to see the ways in which you will contribute to health equity, innovative practices, and quality care across Northern Ontario.

This anniversary is more than a milestone. It’s a testament to the strength that comes from being deeply connected to the people and places of the North, and to what we can achieve together. To everyone who has been part of this journey, I say miigwetch, merci and thank you.

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

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

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20 Years in the North: An Open House Celebration

Mark your calendars for NOSM University’s 20th Anniversary Open House. In November, all Northern Ontarians are welcome to join us in celebrating community, reflecting on the milestones of the past two decades, and learning more about Canada’s first independent medical university.

📅     November 21, 2025

📍     NOSM University in Thunder Bay
Medical University Building, Lobby
955 Oliver Road | Thunder Bay, ON | P7B 5E1

NOSM University in Sudbury
Medical University Building, Lobby
935 Ramsey Lake Road | Sudbury, ON | P3E 2C6

🕐    2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Spotlight on Dietetic Practicum Program Alumni

Eryn Loney

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Originally from Southern Ontario, Eryn Loney completed her Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Western University in 2021. Drawn by a love for the outdoors and strong family ties in Thunder Bay, she looked north for her post-graduate training. Her first introduction to NOSM University came through the Summer Studentship Program in 2020 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) – an experience that left a lasting impression. She returned the following year to complete the Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) in 2022, gaining invaluable experience across a variety of clinical settings.

Eryn began her Dietetic career at TBRHSC in the Transitional Care Unit, while also providing coverage for the inpatient Dietitians. This early exposure solidified her passion for inpatient nutrition care. In the spring of 2023, she and her partner relocated to Kenora, Ontario, where she now works as a Clinical Dietitian at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) and in Long Term Care at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care. In these roles, she provides care across multiple areas, including medical/surgical inpatients, intensive care, oncology, nephrology, geriatrics, and mental health. She is also fortunate to work alongside a classmate (and now good friend) from her DPP cohort.

Eryn has continued her involvement with NOSM University by precepting dietetic learners and serving on the Dietetic Practicum Program Committee – opportunities she values greatly. Reflecting on her time in the DPP, she shares:

“I have many wonderful memories from my time in the DPP, but without a doubt, my favorite part was the people. Throughout the program, I was mentored by a diverse group of exceptional Dietitians – many of whom later became colleagues. As someone new to Northern Ontario, these connections were instrumental in helping me navigate the job market and adjust to life in the North.”

Rehab Testimonials

Chloé Bureau

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Hello everyone!

My name is Chloé, and I completed my placement at Lake of the Woods District Hospital as a speech and language pathology student. My experience with NOSM U was truly amazing! From quick and supportive virtual communication to hands-on, in-person assistance, the entire team made sure I felt prepared and supported every step of the way—before, during, and after my placement.

Relocating from Sudbury to Kenora could have been overwhelming, but staying in student housing provided by NOSM U made the transition smooth and comfortable. I received all the essential information about the apartment ahead of time, and I really appreciated the extra perks—like being able to use a kayak during my downtime! I also looked forward to the weekly newsletters that highlighted local events and helped me feel connected to the community.

I wholeheartedly recommend that any student take the opportunity to do a placement through NOSM U. It’s a supportive, enriching experience you won’t forget.

Thanks,

Chloé