Northern Routes

Together, we help carry the weight of loss.

“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” – Khalil Gibran Today’s culture is one that suggests we can fix anything and make it better. As doctors, those expectations are amplified. Last week, NOSM lost one of our students Braden Peters as well as a dear friend to NOSM, Dr. David Gass. The shock was immense and rippled across the school. As doctors we are all too familiar with death. We offer comfort and support to families and friends who have experienced the loss and show empathy and compassion. Although we can relate on a human level, there are professional boundaries in place ...

Philanthropy for Social Accountability

“Philanthrōpos” is a Greek word that means love of humankind. It brings people together and has the power to unite groups in a collective manner, inspiring improvements based on social accountability. In many ways this is NOSM’s mantra as we embark on a new strategic path and renew our commitment to social accountability. NOSM is more than a medical school; it is a government strategy to address the health needs of Northern Ontarians, improve access to quality care, and contribute to the economic development of Northern Ontario. Your medical school –in the north, for the north, by the north– was established with...

Demonstrating impact and leading for change

Foremost on in our minds these days is the filing for court protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) by Laurentian University. Many of you, our friends and partners, have expressed concern for NOSM and the effect this may have on us. As NOSM’s degree-granting institutions, both Laurentian University and Lakehead University hold endowments, tuition and research funds for our School. These are complex relationships that I am managing with Ray Hunt, Chief Operating Officer, Grace Vita, Director of Risk Management, and our legal counsel. We are working collaboratively to ensure our assets are protected. NOSM is...