Northern Health Research Conference
Registration for the 2025 NHRC is NOW OPEN! Click here to register.
2025 Keynote Speaker Announcement
We are pleased to announce Dr. Kristen Morin as the Keynote Speaker. Dr. Morin is an Assistant Professor at NOSM University, an affiliated Researcher with the Health Sciences North Research Institute, and an ICES North Fellow. She completed her PhD in 2020 in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University, building on her prior training in Public Health and Epidemiology at Queen’s University, and experience working in health policy and administration. Author of over 30 peer-reviewed papers, Dr. Morin’s research focuses on health services research and evaluation, particularly for vulnerable populations, including but not limited to individuals with opioid use disorder. Her work explores innovative solutions to improve access to care, enhance treatment effectiveness, and reduce health disparities.
Dr. Morin’s keynote address is titled ‘Respecting Lives, Enhancing Care: Addressing the Opioid Crisis with Compassion’. At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify features of how opioid agonist therapy (OAT) can be effective to reduce opioid poisonings, deaths and other adverse health and social outcomes.
- List strategies to be able to actively advocate for improved access to care, supporting patient autonomy, compassion and respect for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and engage in open conversations to reduce stigma and enhance community awareness in Northern Ontario.
Keynote Address Abstract:
The opioid crisis in Northern Ontario is characterized by disproportionately high rates of opioid-related deaths, overdoses, and substance use disorders, compounded by limited access to healthcare and addiction services, particularly in rural and remote communities. The objective of this presentation is to provide an updated overview of the literature on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in the era of fentanyl, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing opioid poisonings, deaths, and other adverse health and social outcomes in the context of Northern Ontario. We will explore how OAT functions as a critical tool in managing opioid use disorder (OUD) within the current healthcare system, emphasizing its role in harm reduction and life-saving treatment. The session will also highlight strategies for supporting patient autonomy and promoting compassion and respect for individuals with OUD.
The 20th Annual Northern Health Research Conference will be held from Monday June 16th to Tuesday June 17th, 2025, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The conference will be offered in a hybrid format, with the option to attend in-person or on-line.
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This conference demonstrates NOSM University’s commitment to health care and education to the people of Northern Ontario and beyond. The NHRC continues to explore research activities within Northern Ontario arising from community-based activities. It will highlight projects underway from students, residents, and community-based researchers. The conference provides opportunities for collaboration and community networking.
