Discovery Day at NOSM inspires curious and enthusiastic Northern youth

Nearly 250 curious and enthusiastic youth from across Northern Ontario met virtually on May 18 to explore exciting career options in medicine and research. This year, a select group of students from 31 high schools across the region were chosen to join hundreds of others who are interested in medicine and science.

During this half day, online event, the students heard from award-winning faculty members, took part in interactive workshops demonstrating real-world medical and health science research skills, and got a clear picture of the work of health professionals. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) saw a significant increase in the number of participants who took part since the last in-person Discovery Days hosted 140 youth in 2019.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Naana Jumah, Assistant Professor at NOSM, obstetrician-gynecologist, Regional Cervical/Colposcopy Lead at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and alumna of Harvard University Medical School, addressed the students and shared insights about her medical career. Students also participated in the “Health Pros Tell All” career panel and Q&A.

“NOSM continues to reach prospective students, an important step in encouraging students to pursue a career in health sciences during this significant time in history,” says Miriam Cain, NOSM’s Director, Admissions and Learner Recruitment. “The School is drawing record-high numbers of student participants through increasingly more accessible virtual formats and continuously expanding our reach across Northern Ontario.”

“Improving health in Canada and around the world is vital to everyone’s lives—and encouraging our youth to choose a career in a field where they can do this has never been more relevant,” explains Lissa Foster, Executive Director of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. “More than 85% of students who participate in this program tell us this day helps solidify their plans to pursue a health sciences career.”

Supported nationally by MD Financial Management Inc. Discovery Day was co-hosted by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and NOSM with Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Laurentian University in Sudbury.