As we approach the holidays and a well-deserved break across NOSM University, I am reflecting on my first month as President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO. It has been a whirlwind of activity, but it has also been an incredibly rewarding and invigorating experience. Staff, faculty, learners, alumni, community partners, and donors: you have given me such a warm, authentic, and enthusiastic welcome back to Northern Ontario, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Since starting on November 1, I have been immersed in making connections and doing deep learning about every aspect of NOSM University and the values for which it stands. From engaging at a Local Education Group meeting to attending the Family Medicine Forum in Vancouver, to my first Board of Governors and Senate meetings, and meeting with staff, faculty, students, and community members, I’ve gained even more appreciation for the dedication and passion that drives this institution. The shared commitment to providing high-quality medical education and delivering better access to health care across Northern Ontario is evident in every aspect of NOSM University.

One of my top priorities in 2025 is renewed strategic planning. This will involve a collaborative effort with interest holders from across the University and the broader region. I plan to visit communities across Northern Ontario—thoughtfully and with good climate stewardship in mind—to hear what people have to say. By working together, we can develop our next comprehensive plan that will guide NOSM University’s future growth and success so that we can continue to meet the evolving needs of Northern Ontario.

Also of note: we celebrate 20 years in 2025! Our campaign to mark the occasion is called “20 in 25,” and there is so much of which to be proud. Stay tuned for all the ways you can celebrate with us and expect to see this branding in our communications in the year ahead!

As we move into the new year, I am confident that we will keep up the momentum we have built. By fostering a culture of mutual support, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, we will continue to create a brighter future for NOSM University and a healthier Northern Ontario.

I encourage everyone to take some time to rest and recharge during the holiday season. Spend time with loved ones, practice self-care, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the opportunities ahead. We have plenty of good work to do in 2025, and much to celebrate together.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Michael Green
President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO
NOSM University

If you have any feedback or comments, please reach out at president@nosm.ca and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @DrMichaelGreen1.

NOSM University Holiday Closure

Reminder: NOSM University will be closed from December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. The university opens again for business on January 6, 2025.

Huntsville, Parry Sound, and Bracebridge Local Education Groups make Research Possible for Clinicians

Three NOSM University faculty members and clinicians talk about doing research while running a full-time practice. Lisa Allen, research coordinator with the Huntsville, Parry Sound and Bracebridge Local Education Groups, talks about the role the LEGs play in supporting the researchers.

Ontario College of Family Physicians Recognizes Family Physicians from across Northern Ontario

The OCFP has been sharing patient-nominate awards as part of the “Life With A Doctor” campaign to highlight the essential role of family physicians. Fifty family physicians from across Northern Ontario have been recognized. 

I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past five years. Here’s the thing: being the President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University has been one of the greatest honours of my career. It is with a mix of pride and sadness that I prepare to embark on a new chapter.

When I first joined NOSM, I was immediately struck by the unique spirit of this institution.  And did we ever test that spirit as we evolved into NOSM University.

NOSM University—it’s more than just a medical school. It’s a university. Canada’s first and only independent University. With a community committed to excellence, innovation, and the profound mission of improving health care in Northern Ontario, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and pushed the boundaries of medical education and research.

To NOSM University faculty and staff: your dedication and passion have been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve worked tirelessly to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become compassionate and competent health-care professionals. Your commitment to our mission has been the backbone of our success, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

And to NOSM University learners: you are the future of health care. Watching you grow, learn, and evolve into the doctors and leaders of tomorrow has been a source of immense pride. Your curiosity, resilience, and dedication are the reasons why NOSM University continues to thrive and make a difference in the communities we serve. I regret that due to the pandemic, I had fewer opportunities meet most of you. I managed to seek out quite a few of you while I was spending time in communities across Northern Ontario, and I enjoyed every minute.

In this fast-paced world, we often find ourselves at crossroads, uncertain of the path to take. Every decision we make shapes our destiny. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the lessons we learn along the way. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, challenges, and triumphs. It’s a tapestry woven with the threads of our experiences, dreams, and the choices we make.

I faced many challenges, and what I learned is that they are opportunities in disguise. They push us to our limits, forcing us to discover strengths we never knew we had.

Embracing challenges transforms us into resilient beings capable of overcoming any obstacle. Challenges create our dreams and lead to the fruition of dreams coming true. We made some definitive and transformative choices at NOSM University, not the least of which was becoming a Canada’s first independent medical university. Then there’s the unprecedented expansion of our medical programs to meet the needs of the people of Northen Ontario and innovation in research, education and health partnerships. And award-winning faculty, staff and students with the highest record of excellence, fully accredited programs and a sound financial base. By all measures, these successes are amazing achievements.

Try not to compare us to others. NOSM University is truly unique. We have been and always will be ahead of curve.

Turning a dream into reality is a journey of passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief. It begins with a vision, a spark of inspiration that ignites your heart. Through hard work and dedication, we have transformed aspirations into tangible achievements.  We have made progress on all our directions of The NOSM Challenge, Strategic Plan.

Setbacks tested our resolve, but each step forward brought the dream closer to fruition. I learned to embrace the process, learn from the struggles, and celebrate the milestones. Dreams are the fuel that propels us forward. They ignite the fire within, inspiring us to reach for the stars. But dreams alone are not enough; it takes dedication, hard work, and a steadfast belief in oneself to turn dreams into reality.

I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team, colleagues and friends—together we have made dreams come true. The best dream team of all led by NOSM U Vice Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Associate and Assistant Deans, President’s Office staff, directors, managers as well as our incredible staff and faculty across the organization. You are the fabric of NOSM University, and you have been indelibly imprinted on my heart. I am deeply grateful for you all.

I am in Ottawa until the end of my term on October 31, but plan to visit Thunder Bay and Sudbury in October. This is my last Northern Routes blog, and you no longer have to guess #WhereisDrVerma? on Instagram or X. You can find me in Ottawa on the un-ceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory revelling in my next chapter. My gratitude to you and to Northern Ontario is immense.

Merci. Miigwetch. Thank you.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

You’re invited to the Family Medicine Forum reception

Join Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University for a reception in Vancouver.

📅 Wednesday, November 6, 2024
🕰️ 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
📌 Mahony’s Tavern Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place #36
Vancouver, BC

RSVP

🎧 Coming in October: Get ready for the Northern Routes Podcast!  

Coming to you in October 2024! Host Jessica Pope talks with people in the NOSM University community, including students, learners, alumni, elders, faculty, researchers, staff, and community partners, about the latest in health professions education, research, health equity in Northern Ontario, and much, much more.

Episodes will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you have questions or a story pitch, email us any time at podcast@nosm.ca. To send your thanks to someone within or connected to NOSM University, call 807-766-7575 and leave a message. You might hear yourself on the show!

Dr. Joseph LeBlanc named AFMC’s Vice-President, Social Accountability

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) has named Dr. Joseph LeBlanc as its new Vice-President, Social Accountability, a role that he will hold alongside his position as Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion and Assistant Professor, Indigenous Health at NOSM University. Dr. LeBlanc will lead efforts to advance AFMC’s social accountability priorities, including continued efforts to strengthen anti-racism, Indigenous health, Black health, Francophone representation, and planetary health in Canada’s medical schools.

West Nipissing General Hospital becomes newest NOSM University clerkship site, welcomes two NOSM University MD students

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) is the newest hospital training location in Northern Ontario for MD students at NOSM University—testament to its deep commitment and partnership with Northern communities in a joint endeavour to meet the need for physicians in Ontario.

New Francophone Project supports high school students in acquiring new skills

Starting September 2024, NOSM University will offer medical discovery programs to students in French-language high schools enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major in Health and Well-being and Grade 10 students in the Career Choices course.

Dr. Dave McLinden Appointed Clinical Expansion Lead at NOSM University

NOSM University is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Dave McLinden as Clinical Expansion Lead, effective October 1, 2024.