Joe Lipinski, NOSM University leader, awarded posthumously

In a bittersweet tribute, Mr. Joe Lipinski was posthumously awarded the inaugural Administration Award by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) during a ceremony on April 16, 2023, at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Québec City. In recognition of his significant contributions to establishing the Northern Ontario School of Medicine—now NOSM University—the Senior Administrators Network nominated Mr. Lipinski as the first-ever recipient. Mrs. Helen Lipinski, Joe’s wife, and Mr. Ray Hunt, Vice President, Administration & Chief Operating Officer at NOSM University, accepted the award.

Joe was a key leader at NOSM University for 18 years. Hired when the university was first established, Joe was the first and only Director of Finance and was instrumental in building a strong financial foundation for the organization. He remained in this role until his death in 2021. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, Joe also sat on various provincial and national committees. His expertise and wisdom were sought out and valued by colleagues.

Joe is greatly missed by many at NOSM University and in the Thunder Bay community.