Volunteer
As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health of the peoples and communities of Northern Ontario.
Get Involved
Volunteer your time for projects close to your heart.
There are many initiatives at the University that require volunteers. This might mean playing the role of a patient to train students, helping learners get to know your community, or serving in a governance role. Whatever your volunteer interest, we look forward to having you join us!
Invest in NOSM University
Help fund identified needs that support the NOSM University. Email advancement@nosm.ca to learn how you can support a healthier North.
Be part of the conversation about improving our health in Northern Ontario.
Email or Tweet us. Check us out on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. We want to hear from you. The more engaged you are, the better we will understand your needs. @thenosm
Health Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in communities or in the lives of others. But did you know that there are health benefits to giving back?
- Decrease your risk of depression. Volunteering with and for others increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common commitment and interests—both of which have been shown to decrease depression.
- Enjoy a sense of purpose and fulfillment. You may even increase your self-confidence while you’re at it!
- Stay physically and mentally active. A study released by Johns Hopkins University in 2009 revealed that volunteers actually increased their brain functioning. Volunteer activities get you moving and thinking at the same time.
- Reduce stress levels. By savouring your time spent in service to others, you’ll feel a sense of meaning and appreciation—both given and received—which can be calming.
- Experience “The Happiness Effect.” You know that feel-good sense you get after a vigorous workout? It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain. Helping others has that exact same effect—so the more you volunteer, the happier you become!
Source: createthegood.org
Current Opportunities
CampMed
Each spring, NOSM University accepts applications from students currently in progress with their undergraduate degree for the volunteer positions of Team Lead and Camp and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Lead to work at CampMed. The camp provides Northern Ontario and rural and remote students of Canada going into grades 10 and 11 with an opportunity to explore Indigenous culture, health and tradition, Francophone culture, health and tradition, health-care careers, obtain hands-on experience, and find a mentor.
Applications are closed at this time. Additional information can be found at nosm.ca/campmed.
Standardized Patient
A SP is a healthy person who has been carefully coached to simulate an actual patient so accurately that the simulation cannot be detected by a skilled clinician. In performing the simulation, the SP presents the whole of the patient being simulated; not just the history, but the body language, the physical findings, and the emotional and personality characteristics as well. They are also trained on how to provide effective feedback to learners, from a patient’s perspective. Feedback is one of the most important skills of the SP. They are used to help teach and assess students interviewing skills, physical exam skills and interpersonal communication skills.
Applications are always accepted, but the program may not be actively hiring at the time. Additional information can be found at nosm.ca/sp.
Board of Governors
NOSM University’s Board of Governors is comprised of 19 members who reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of Northern Ontario, including Indigenous, Francophone, and rural and remote communities. It is responsible for the corporate governance and fiscal management of the School. Membership of the Board of Governors is drawn widely to achieve the balance of skills and expertise required to enable the Board to fulfill its governance responsibilities.
Applications are closed at this time. Additional information can be found by visiting the Board of Governors page.
Local NOSM University Groups
Local NOSM University Groups (LNGs) have been created at the NOSM University to ensure local representation within the University, and to facilitate the smooth integration of medical students into communities by means of orientation programs and introductions to community members.
All third-year medical students acquire practical, patient-centred learning through Comprehensive Community Clerkships (CCC) in one of 15 designated communities.
Membership of the LNGs varies, depending on the need and desire of the individual community. Generally, membership includes broad representation from NOSM University Site Administrative Coordinators and faculty, community leaders, and interested individuals. LNG’s focus much of their work on recruitment and retention, showcasing the community, travel, support for NOSM University students, linguistic and cultural issues, and any other issue the Group feels is of importance to both NOSM University and its community.
LNGs are currently working with NOSM University in the following communities:
- Bracebridge
- Dryden
- Fort Frances
- Hearst
- Huntsville
- Kapuskasing
- Kenora
- Manitoulin Island
- Midland
- North Bay
- Parry Sound
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Sioux Lookout
- Temiskaming Shores
- Timmins
- Thunder Bay
Interested individuals may email Danielle Barbeau-Rodrigue at dbarbeaurodrigue@nosm.ca for more information.
You don’t have to look far to find the source of the NOSM University’s success. It’s right in the name: Northern Ontario. Northern Ontario is a healthier place because of the many people, communities, and organizations that have supported NOSM University and advocated for improved health services in our region.