NOSM Receives International Award for Excellence in Medical Education

On Sunday, August 25, 2013, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) was thrilled to receive the prestigious ASPIRE award, which recognizes international excellence in medical education.

Medical schools around the world are regulated by accrediting bodies that ensure medical education adheres to high standards. The ASPIRE award was created to recognize medical schools who go above and beyond the requirements of their accrediting bodies to inspire excellence in teaching and learning.

Receipt of the ASPIRE award was based on NOSM’s success in fulfilling its social accountability mandate – the mission to direct its education, research, and service activities to address the priority health concerns of the communities of Northern Ontario. The award assessed NOSM’s commitment to social accountability in the following four areas: organization and function of the school; education of medical doctors; research activities; and impact on communities served.

“It is an exceptional honour for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to be acknowledged as a global leader in social accountability and medical education,” said Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean. “This success is the result of the vision, commitment, and teamwork of NOSM’s faculty, staff, and the many community partners, all of whom have provided, and continue to provide, crucial input into the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s innovative model.”