New Bursary Opportunities for the Dietetic Practicum Program 

Starting in Fall 2025, students in NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) will be eligible for bursaries totaling $8,000.  

These bursaries mark the first time funding has been available for students entering DPP, thereby reducing financial barriers to completing the program. The bursaries were generously created by Dr. Marion Briggs, the Director of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Education at NOSM University from 2012 and 2018.  

As part of her role, Dr. Briggs managed the Dietetic Practicum Program—formerly known as the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program, or NODIP—of which she is an enthusiastic supporter.  

“It’s an exceptional program, unlike any other in the province, that is crucial to the health of Northern Ontarians and unique,” she said. “Graduates of DPP tend to stay in the North and make key contributions to address critical health challenges related to nutrition and food security. These are serious issues in Northern Ontario generally and disproportionately affect rural and remote, and Indigenous populations,” she added.  

The program provides opportunities for students to work in a variety of settings enables them to understand the nuances and challenges of dietetics, food insecurity and nutrition for various population groups particularly rural, remote, and Indigenous populations. 

Dr. Briggs offered the Drs. McElhaney and Briggs Dietetic Practicum Scholarship to learners entering the program in part to help address the shortage of dietetic professionals in Northern Ontario.  

Unlike other Dietetic Practicum Programs in Ontario, DPP students have no access to government funding assistance—they carry significant debt, and the program fees are a deal-breaker for many who would otherwise love to learn about, and serve in, the North. “This is a crisis that must be addressed,” Dr. Briggs said.   

Less graduates from the program means fewer dietitians working across the North. To date, NOSM University has graduated 207 learners who go on to become Registered Dietitians. Notably, 75% of the last three graduate cohorts are practising in Northern Ontario. 

“Dietitians are essential health advocates. There are so many nutrition related illnesses in the North that impact rural and remote populations,” Briggs said.  “Northern Ontario depends on graduates from this program to staff the North with Registered Dietitians.” 

Cara Green, Manager of DPP, was emotional hearing that new bursaries will be available to students. “We are here to address the health human resource needs of Northern Ontario.” she said. “So, knowing that DPP will be more accessible to learners because of Dr. Briggs’ generous support is incredible.” 

She hopes that the bursaries will reduce the financial burden for dietetic students and enable them to focus on their learning experience as they pursue their RD credential.  

The bursary extends the commitment and generosity of Dr. Briggs to the DPP program and NOSM University, and extends the legacy of Marion’s life partner, Dr. Janet McElhaney (1954-2021), whose lasting legacy was the care of older adults and collaborative health-care practices.   

Learn more about NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Program and how to qualify for a bursary.