West Nipissing General Hospital becomes newest NOSM University clerkship site, welcomes two NOSM University MD students

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) is the newest hospital training location in Northern Ontario for MD students at NOSM University—testament to its deep commitment and partnership with Northern communities in a joint endeavour to meet the need for physicians in Ontario.

As part of the MD program at NOSM University, third-year students must complete a Comprehensive Community Clerkship (CCC). Students are assigned to live and learn in small groups in designated Northern Ontario communities from September to April. The clerkship gives learners an opportunity to enhance their clinical skills and perspectives so that they become suited to medical practice in remote, rural, and underserved communities, as well as to urban practice. The focus of students’ clerkship experience is delivering primary care, including Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics. These placements are critical to learning—but also invaluable for communities.

“Communities like West Nipissing that host NOSM University students have a real opportunity to showcase all the wonderful things about living and working in the North,” says Dr. Peter Istvan, who directs this stage of NOSM University students’ education. “Third year NOSM University students will be in West Nipissing for eight months, providing the opportunity for people in the community to make lasting connections with learners, and leave them with the best possible impression.”

“Exchanging knowledge as we collaborate to provide care is what this clerkship experience is all about,” says Sue LeBeau, CEO of WNGH. “Our WNGH team looks forward to welcoming NOSM University learners to our beautiful community.”

By integrating NOSM University medical students into its team, WNGH and the other clerkship sites across NOSM University’s pan-northern distributed campus not only support the education of future physicians but also create the basis for integration into the community, enhancing recruitment and retention. This ongoing collaboration with NOSM University represents the academic aspects of education and research with cutting-edge medical care at the forefront of health care, taking learning out of the classroom and into the real world.

WNGH’s commitment to both its patients and the broader community makes it a cornerstone of health care in the region, and the introduction of medical students into this environment is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to the hospital’s environment. As NOSM University expands, it welcomes other communities and hospitals like WNGH to add clerkship sites.

NOSM University has existing clerkship sites in Bracebridge, Dryden, Elliot Lake, Fort Frances, Hearst, Huntsville, Kapuskasing, Kenora, Manitoulin Island, Midland, North Bay, Midland, Parry Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Sioux Lookout, Sudbury, Temiskaming Shores, Thunder Bay, and Timmins. West Nipissing becomes NOSM University’s ninth bilingual clerkship site.

“The mutual benefits of hosting MD students during their clerkship are enormous. This new site supports NOSM University’s expansion, which will ultimately lead to more doctors practising in Northern Ontario, and we urge communities and hospitals to join us and to open new sites with us,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University.

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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 West Nipissing General Hospital

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) is a well-established health-care institution in Northern Ontario, offering a wide range of essential services. The hospital’s main services include 24-hour Emergency Care, Inpatient Services with a 99-bed capacity, and Diagnostic Imaging, which includes X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and digital mammography. WNGH also provides comprehensive Laboratory Services, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy, and Mental Health Services. Additionally, the hospital hosts specialized Outpatient Clinics in cardiology and nephrology, among others. Rehabilitation Services such as physiotherapy, along with Palliative Care, are also integral parts of the hospital’s offerings. The inclusion of a Pharmacy and Community Mental Health and Addictions Programs further enhances WNGH’s ability to meet the diverse medical needs of the West Nipissing community.