Today, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is pleased to announce the launching of its new external website. Along with an updated look and many other improved features, the website can now be found at www.nosm.ca.

NOSM’s new website features a new, contemporary design with easy navigation and expanded functionality. Some of the many fresh features of www.nosm.ca include: streamlined tabs with fewer layers to the information that you need; updated content and photographs; changeable text size; a way to subscribe to the School’s various publications; quick access to upcoming events in the School’s Health Professional Development Calendar; and, an organization area reflecting the new structure of the School

NOSM’s Founding Dean, Dr. Roger Strasser says the new website is another tool through which the School can work to fulfill its social accountability mandate. “One of the most significant additions to the website is an expanded area devoted to the many communities that have generously supported, and provided resources for, a medical school of, by, and for the people of Northern Ontario,” he said. “Our hope is that, in addition to providing information about NOSM, the new features and functions of the website will further enhance communications with and between the School’s many pan-Northern stakeholders.”

Kim Daynard, NOSM’s Director of Communications, is pleased to see the efforts of many come to fruition with the launch of www.nosm.ca. “The development of the website was a truly was a collaborative undertaking,” she said. “The new site is easier to use, more pleasing to interact with, and better able to serve the various communities engaged with the School in large part because of the valuable input received by both internal and external sources during its development.”

The new website also contains information regarding two important upcoming conferences at the School. The first, the Northern Health Research Conference (NHRC), is a conference exploring the research activities within Northern Ontario arising from community-based activities. The second, the International Conference on Community Engaged Medical Education in the North (ICEMEN), is a five-day conference showing the importance of fostering relationships among medical schools across the globe in an effort to share knowledge and best practices as part of a worldwide network. Both are featured on the website’s homepage.

Students of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) will soon be living and learning in the community of Kapuskasing. In September of this year, Kapuskasing will welcome four third-year medical students who will begin their Comprehensive Community Clerkship at Sensenbrenner Hospital. An affiliation agreement between NOSM and Sensenbrenner will be signed, solidifying a partnership between the two institutions and allowing NOSM students to gain valuable hands-on practical experience in the community.

”Sensenbrenner Hospital is proud to be a part of a true community-based medical school,” said Mr. Al Yarush, Sensenbrenner Hospital’s CEO. “Integrating students in communities such as Kapuskasing is key to the development of physicians who understand and appreciate medical practice in Northern communities,” he continued.

Under the leadership of Lead Physician and Site Liaison Clinician, Dr. Christopher Meilleur, the professional staff of Sensenbrenner Hospital will provide comprehensive, patient-centred training, allowing the students to observe, learn and participate in the care of patients in a Northern environment. During their eight months in Kapuskasing, students will be taught by local physicians and other health-care providers who are NOSM faculty members.

In preparation for the students’ arrival, a Kapuskasing Local NOSM Group comprised of local physicians and other community members will be developed. The group will act as an important link between the town and the students, facilitating a smooth integration into the community through orientation, relevant information and introductions to other community members.

Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Founding Dean, says the people and communities of the North are integral to the success of the Comprehensive Community Clerkships. “The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is committed to building partnerships with the communities and health organizations of Northern Ontario. Sensenbrenner Hospital, local physicians, other health-care providers, and community members are welcomed partners,” he said.

With the addition of Kapuskasing, eleven communities throughout Northern Ontario will host medical students in September 2008. All 56 students in their third year will participate in the Comprehensive Community Clerkships.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is pleased to announce the arrival of Ken Adams to the post of Associate Dean, Administration.

In this position, Mr. Adams will be responsible for all aspects of planning and promoting the ongoing development and implementation of administrative processes and resources that meet the needs of learners, faculty and staff members, while collaborating with the School’s many stakeholders. The Associate Dean, Administration also ensures the efficient and effective management of the resources and systems essential to the successful administration of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

“Adams will play an integral role in Northern Ontario School of Medicine,” says NOSM Founding Dean, Dr. Roger Strasser.

Adams has over 23 years of leadership experience, gained as a member of senior management teams in the heath care sector in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Before joining NOSM, Adams was the VP Finance and Corporate Services for Sun Country Regional Health Authority (SCRHA) in Saskatchewan, Regional Director (acting) and Program Manager with the North Region Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and also held senior positions with the Heath District in Southeast Saskatchewan and three acute-care hospitals in Ontario and Alberta.

Mr. Adams’ holds a Masters of Health Services Administration, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Honours Bachelor of Physical and Health Education Degree, including Certified Health Executive and Certified Management Accountant designations.