Turning over a new leaf

Research at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine plays an integral role in the School’s mandate to be socially accountable to the population we serve. In 2013, the School created the role of Assistant Dean, Research, with the goal of supporting Dr. Penny Moody Corbett, Associate Dean of Research, and the School’s senior leadership in their efforts to address strategic plan priorities, as well as promote research in the North.

This summer, Dr. TC Tai took over the role of Assistant Dean, Research from Dr. David MacLean. We’d like to thank Dr. MacLean for his contributions to research at NOSM, and welcome Dr. Tai to his new leadership role.

Dr. David MacLean

Dr. David MacLean, a Professor of Physiology at NOSM, was the School’s inaugural Assistant Dean, Research. Throughout his five-year tenure he implemented a number of initiatives to raise the profile of research at NOSM, including the Physicians’ Services Incorporated (PSI) Visiting Clinical Scholar program, which brings experienced clinician researchers to NOSM to offer educational opportunities to physicians interested in research, and help them develop their research skills or projects.

He also oversaw the creation and each edition of The Scope, helping to provide our communities with a better understanding of research being done at NOSM. In addition, he spearheaded the development of NOSM’s first graduate program, a Master of Medical Studies.

“It was a pleasure to be able to support the faculty and students in their research efforts, and to see the contributions they have made to improving the health of people in Northern Ontario,” he says.

Dr. TC Tai

Dr. TC Tai, a Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at NOSM, took over as Assistant Dean, Research in July of this year.

He says he hopes he can continue to promote NOSM as a world-class research institute with a unique and valuable perspective.

“I want people in communities across Northern Ontario, as well as people across the country and around the world, to realize what researchers at NOSM are doing, what they have the potential to do, and what that means for the health of people in our region and beyond,” he says.