In the Spotlight

COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH THREATS TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: CALL TO ACTION

Dr. Claudio Soares, on behalf of the ACPC (Association of Chairs of Psychiatry of Canada) To date, COVID-19 pandemic responses have focused on reducing the risk of spread of infection, treating severely ill, and sustaining healthcare system capacity. While concerns about the general population's mental distress are being addressed through various online support strategies, these initiatives do not address COVID-19-related threats to mental health in people with serious mental illnesses or addictions, vulnerable populations in violent living situations, and frontline healthcare providers. We call on government, business, and civi...

NOSM celebrates 15 years working with Local Community Coordinators

First-year medical students at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) spend four weeks in an Indigenous community as part of their Integrated Community Experience (ICE). Since 2006, NOSM has relied on Local Community Coordinators (LCC) to guide and support medical students while they are there. The LCC role is key to the success of the community placement experience. This year will be the exception. Due to COVID-19 alternative learning plans are being considered to deliver this important and unique experience to NOSM students. “For many students, it is a transformative experience,” says Dr. Lorrilee McGregor, NOSM Assistan...

NOSM Thanks Inaugural Wellness Lead Clinician

After four years in a builder visionary role, Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova is concluding his outstanding term as the School’s first PGME Wellness Lead Clinician. Dr. DellaVedova is a pediatrician and clinician-educator who practises in Sault Ste. Marie. “Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova’s accomplishments in this short time frame have been phenomenal,” says Dr. Robert Anderson, NOSM’s Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education & Health Sciences. “We would like express our sincere thanks to Dr. DellaVedova for his tireless leadership for the past four years.” An alumnus of NOSM’s MD program, Dr. DellaVedova obtained his ...