NOSM University’s External Relations Team Wins Prestigious National and International Awards

NOSM University is thrilled to announce that its External Relations team has been honoured with two 2024 Gold Quill Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The team received accolades in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication division, as well as in the Creative Design for The Future Will See You Now campaign. The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) also awarded NOSM University Silver awards for Best Integrated Communications and Best in Show categories at their National Awards of Excellence Gala on June 11, 2024. 

“Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our External Relations team,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University. “Their ability to deliver high-impact, innovative campaigns with a limited budget and resources is truly commendable. This recognition highlights the excellence and creativity that define NOSM University.” 

The Future Will See You Now is an integrated marketing and communications campaign launched to increase NOSM University’s brand recognition and community engagement, and generate a new donor base. NOSM University specifically set out to build a $50 million endowment fund for student financial aid. The creative slogan is a play on the phrase, “the doctor will see you now,” and is an invitation to donors to step out of a philanthropic “waiting room,” over a new threshold, and into the future of medical education to help alleviate student debt and encourage future physicians to stay in Northern Ontario.  

All campaign elements were conceptualized, developed, and implemented in-house, demonstrating the team’s exceptional talent and resourcefulness. 

“It is an honour to be recognized on both national and international stages,” says Joanne Musico, Associate Vice-President, External Relations at NOSM University. “Our team’s commitment to excellence and passion for storytelling has driven us to achieve remarkable results. These awards celebrate our collective efforts to enhance NOSM University’s brand and communicate our mission as we continue to work towards health equity in Northern Ontario.” 

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About NOSM University 

NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially-accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.  

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca 

About the awards 

IABC Gold Quill Awards: The Gold Quill Awards have celebrated communication excellence for more than 40 years, recognizing business communication’s most outstanding work globally. 

CPRS Awards: The Canadian Public Relations Society’s awards honor outstanding public relations and communications campaigns in Canada, highlighting best practices and innovation in the field.