2024
Honouring Excellence
2024 NOSM University Award Recipients
PCTA Award
This award is given to a physician leader who has demonstrated commitment to excellence and innovation, has had a lasting impact on clinical education, and embodies and integrates the values of professionalism, communicator, collaborator, manager, and advocate.
- Dr. Sarah McIsaac, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Health Sciences Awards
Visit the Health Science website to read bios of award recipients.
Innovative Preceptor Award
Given to a preceptor who embraces innovation in providing clinical learning experiences, this award recognizes an educator who is prepared to do things differently–with innovation–in order to meet the needs of the learner.
- Sarah-Jane Mason, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy
- Fraser Stephenson, Preceptor, Physiotherapy
- Carrie Linklater, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology
- Chantal Bélanger, Preceptor , Dietetics
Interprofessional Collaborator Award
This award celebrates individuals who are recognized by their peers and learners for being a good collaborator or leader of interprofessional learning.
- Mavia DeNoble, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy
- Jill Whitwam, Preceptor, Physiotherapy
- Brenda Liddle, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology
- Allana Gowan, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology
- Lela Hopper, Preceptor, Dietetics
Commitment to Clinical Education Award
The Commitment to Clinical Education Award recognizes a preceptor who demonstrates commitment towards the education of health science professional learners in the North as evidenced by being a frequent and willing participant, supporter and champion of education.
- Linda Smith, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy
- Marie-Josée Dagenais, Preceptor, Physiotherapy
- Sally Guillemette, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology
- Rachel Palahnuk, Preceptor, Dietetics
Northern Ambassador Award
This uniquely Northern award is a celebration of a preceptor who is recognized for being a strong ambassador for their community, and who creates a welcoming environment for learners of all disciplines.
- Monique Jardine, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy
- Derek Debassige, Preceptor, Physiotherapy
- Rachel Pessah, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology
- Kelsey McGinn, Preceptor, Dietetics
Academic Excellence Award
The Academic Excellence Award recognizes individuals who consistently participate in or contribute to scholarly activities, including research, mentorship, academic instruction or other related works.
- Cheryl Alderdice, Preceptor, Physiotherapy
- Bridget King, Preceptor, Dietetics
Awards of Excellence and Scholarship
Faculty, residents, and learners at NOSM University play an integral role in achieving the University’s mission and make outstanding contributions to teaching, research, clinical care and administration in Northern Ontario.
Faculty Awards
Academic Leader Award
This award recognizes individuals in the Clinical, Medical, or Human Sciences Division with demonstrated leadership skills in NOSM University administrative roles such as Program Directors, Theme Course Chairs, Phase Module Coordinators, Academic Directors, Medical Directors, as well as other administrative positions outside the University.
- Dr. Rony Atoui, Professor, Clinical Sciences
Clinical Scholar Award
Members of the Clinical Sciences Division are recognized with the Clinical Scholar Award for their research, presentation of papers, production of posters, invitations to speak at professional meetings/other institutions, and mentorship of faculty in the aforementioned areas.
- Dr. Ioannis Voutsadakis, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Clinical Teacher Award
The Clinical Teacher Award recognizes members of the Clinical Sciences Division for excellence in clinical teaching/supervision skills.
- Dr. Amber Dudar, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences
Community Champion Award
A Community Champion is a Clinical Sciences faculty member who has had a significant impact on their community through clinical services, teaching, research, volunteer work, or other community involvement continually advocating accessibility for the best health care available.
- Denise Taylor, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences
Medical Educator Award
Recognizing members of the Clinical, Medical or Human Sciences Divisions, the Medical Educator Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to medical education research, and/or curriculum development.
- Dr. Richard Painter, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences
Scholar Award
The Scholar Award recognizes individuals within the Medical or Human Sciences Divisions for their teaching, research, and administrative contributions to NOSM University.
- Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam, Assistant Professor, Medical Sciences
Faculty Mentorship Award
This award recognizes the exemplary commitment by a clinical faculty member in the mentorship of another faculty member(s).
- Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Learner Awards
Learner: Advocate/Leader Award
This award recognizes learners for their achievements in advocacy and or leadership particularly with respect to improving education programs.
- Ashley Wallace, fourth-year medical student
Learner: Scholarly Activity Award
The Learner Scholarly Activity Award recognizes learners for their teaching, research, and administrative contributions to NOSM University.
- Arjav Gupta, second-year medical student
Learner: Peer Teaching Award
This award recognizes learners at all levels who strive to improve the teaching, learning, and educational environments for other NOSM University learners.
- Dr. Michael Christie, third-year medical resident
Learner-Nominated Teacher Award
Nominated by a learner, this award recognizes members of the Clinical, Medical, or Human Sciences Division for excellence in either academic teaching, or clinical teaching and supervision.
- Dr. Kiersten Parr, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences
Alumni Awards
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is presented to a recent graduate of NOSM University (within one to five years of completion of residency training) who has demonstrated significant professional achievements, made significant contributions to their community or as a volunteer, or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments in Northern Ontario.
- Dr. Kyle Harper, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
This award is presented annually to a NOSM University alumna/alumnus who has achieved excellence, personally or professionally, and whose actions and influence have made a positive impact in health care, medical education, or research in Northern Ontario. The recipient will have made a strong contribution to NOSM University and demonstrated their commitment to bringing equitable and accessible health care to Northern Ontario.
- Dr. Kim Varty, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of NOSM University, but whose actions have embodied its vision, mission, and values. The recipient has positively contributed to the Northern Ontario health-care community and the medical profession.
- Chuck Schmitt, Dryden Site Administrative Coordinator (Posthumous)
Dr. Sarita Verma Awards for Distinguished Leadership
Established in 2024 with the retirement of Dr. Sarita Verma, NOSM University’s inaugural President, Vice Chancellor, CEO and second Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Verma served as Dean from July 1, 2019, to March 30, 2022, then became President, Vice Chancellor, Dean and CEO when NOSM was proclaimed Canada’s first independent medical University on April 1, 2022.
These awards celebrate the work of Dr. Verma, a passionate and courageous leader who championed visionary and transformative change. The award recipients have demonstrated leadership impact and achievements within the NOSM University community; innovation and creativity in addressing challenges and fostering positive change; and, made contributions to the overall well-being and success of NOSM University.
Faculty
- East: Dr. David MacLean, Professor, Medical Sciences
- West: Dr. Kim Varty, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Nominees included:
- Dr. Stacy Desilets
- Dr. Jack Haggarty
- Dr. Sarah Newbery
- Dr. Kris Opryszczko
- Dr. Kiersten Parr
- Dr. Nicole Ranger
- Sheila Renton
- Dr. Maija Robinson
- Dr. Katherine Santos
- Dr. Jennifer Zymantas
Staff
- East: Dr. Kristy Côté, Administrative Director, Family Medicine and Strategic Advisor to the President
- West: Marie Parkkari, Education Manager, PGME
Nominees included:
- Judy Depatie
- Sonya Richard
- Chuck Schmitt
- Jennifer Turcotte-Russak
- Brianne Wood
Learner
- East: Dr. Mélanie-Rose Frappier, second-year medical resident
- West: Taylor Murie, third-year medical student
Nominees included:
- Lobna Abdel-Dayem
- Julie Leroux
- Meagan McGaughey
- Mateo Newbery Orrantia
- Claire Poulin
- Brooklyn Ranta
2024 External Awards Recipients
Dr. Julius Agboola, Assistant Professor, was awarded Trailblazer Awards from the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario.
Dr. Margaret Anthes is a recipient of an iCare award from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Rony Atoui, NOSM University Professor, was awarded the Northern Ontario Academic Medicine Association Leadership and Academic Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication in supporting learners’ academic and curriculum needs.
Dr. Corli Barnes, a recent alumna of NOSM University’s Family Medicine residency program, was awarded the College of Family Physicians of Canada Resident Award for Scholarly Achievement for her project “Office-Based Family Medicine Billing Guide (Ontario).”
Dr. Tara Baron, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Development, was the winner of the 2024 Michel Weber Education Award from the Canadian Paediatric Society. Dr. Baron was recognized for her significant and positive impact on learners in child and youth health.
Dr. Michael Bedard, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Birubi Biman, Associate Professor, was recognized with Board of Directors’ Award from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) for her extraordinary commitment to lung disease treatment, education and research, all performed in a manner described by her colleagues as compassionate and culturally informed.
Dr. Julie Boucher has been recognized as Regional Family Physician of the Year by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Crystal Boulianne, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Pascale Brown, Clinical Lecturer, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Christopher Bruni, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Greg Carfagnini, Assistant Professor, was awarded the 2024 Physician Achievement Award from the Ontario Medical Association’s Section on Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Roderick Cheung, Assistant Professor and Family Physician in Kapuskasing, was awarded a Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) at the 2024 annual conference.
Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, Assistant Professor, received the Order of Ontario. Dr. Clarke is described as “a transformational trailblazer and true visionary,” and “the first geriatrician in Northeastern Ontario.”
Dr. Bruce Cook, Associate Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Glenn Corneil, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Michael Cotterill, Assistant Professor and Family Physician in Wawa, received the SRPC’s Rural Service Award at the 2024 annual conference.
Dr. James Crispo, Assistant Professor, was the recipient of the 2024 Vogel Award for his research on pediatric spinal cord injury.
Dr. Megan Culina, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Lisa Currie, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Meghan Cusack, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Timothy DeBortoli, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Stacy Desilets has been recognized as the Reg L. Perkin Ontario Family Physician of the Year by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Jacqueline Edwards, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Hazem Elmansy is a recipient of an iCare award from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Mary England, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Erin Frood, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Kasunka Kankanam Gamage received a Distinguished Trainee Research Award from the North American Primary Care Research Group for research titled “Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women with Bleeding Disorders: Evaluating Patient Uptake of Treatment Plans.”
Dr. Daniel Garcia, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Dani Garon, Family Medicine resident, received the 2024 PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award.
Dr. Ella Goodman, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Catherine Groh, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Deanna Hagan, Clinical Lecturer, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Joyce Helmer, Associate Professor, was recognized for her work as a pivotal figure in advancing Indigenous education in Ontario with a Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence.
Dr. Mark Henderson is a recipient of an iCare award from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Tammy Hopkins, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Scott Houghton, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Blair Jarrett, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Naana Jumah, Assistant Professor, received the 2023 Carl Nimrod Educator Award. The Award recognizes outstanding achievement in obstetrics and gynecology education.
Dr. Olayiwola Kassim, Assistant Professor, was awarded Trailblazer Awards from the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario.
Dr. Shahrzad Keramati, Master of Medical Studies learner, successfully defended her thesis “Microscopic Hematuria Status: Genitourinary Malignancy and Clinical Practice Pattern: A Northwestern Ontario Study,” supervised by Drs. David Marsh, Hazem Elmansy, and Kristen Morin.
Dr. Laura Kistemaker, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Jaro Kotalik, Professor, was bestowed the title of Fellow of Lakehead University on May 30, 2024 and was awarded an honorary degree from Lakehead University.
Dr. Melanie Kowal, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Carrie Kuntz, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Cynthia Larche, medical student, received the 2023/2024 Canadian Federation of Medical Students-MD Financial Leadership Award at the Canadian Medical Student Conference in Vancouver.
Dr. Cody Laxton, Clinical Lecturer, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Richard Lebel, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Kelly Magee-Adams, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Peter McGhee is a recipient of an iCare award from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Sarah McIsaac, Associate Professor, was awarded the Leadership Award by the Physician Clinical Teachers Association (PCTA).
Dr. James McKay, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Brian McPherson, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Chris Meilleur has been recognized as Regional Family Physicians of the Year by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Allan Middleton received the 2024 Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) Resident Teaching Award for NOSM University.
Dr. Theresa Mirka, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Janine Moloney, a PA in Kenora who often works with faculty and learners, received the Rural Health Champion Award at the 2024 SRPC conference.
Dr. Guy Mongeon, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Rosie Mosquito, former member of the Indigenous Reference Group, was awarded an honorary degree from Lakehead University.
Dr. Kara Nadeau received the 2024 Rising Star Certificate of Excellence for a resident from the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME).
Dr. Sarah Newbery, Associate Dean, Physician Workforce Strategy, received the Rural Mentorship Award at the 2024 SRPC conference.
Catherine O’Connor, medical student, received the College of Family Phyicians of Canada (CFPC) Medical Student Scholarship, in recognition of medical students demonstrating a commitment to Family Medicine.
Dr. Chibere Ogbuneke, a Family Physician in Sudbury and the International Medical Graduate Coordinator at NOSM University was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario.
Dr. Kary Olivier, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor of Whitefish River First Nation, who is an active member of the Indigenous Elders Advisory Circle at NOSM University, was recognized with an Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award in the category of culture.
Dr. Chelsea Pretty, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Andrew Pruzner, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Patrick Rapley is a recipient of an iCare award from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Nusha Ramsoondar received the 2024 Rising Star Certificate of Excellence for a medical student from CAME.
Dr. Maurianne Reade, Associate Professor, is the recipient of a CAME Certificate of Merit Award.
Dr. Kerry Reed, Associate Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Benjamin Reitzel, Clinical Lecturer, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Anne Robinson, Associate Professor, receieved a CAME Certificate of Merit Award.
Chantae Robinson, medical student, received the 2024 PARO Citizenship Award Medical Students at NOSM University.
Dr. Adrianna Schamp, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. John Seguin, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Jason Shack, Associate Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Mohammed Shurrab was awarded the Excellence in Action Award for Research Excellence Award for his contributions to health research.
Dr. Lauren Sinnemaki, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Jane Slivchak, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Monica Susil, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Isaac Tavares, alumnus, is a recipient of an iCare awards from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Dr. Christopher Trebb, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition for exceptional dedication to patient care by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Stephen Viherjoki, Assistant Professor and Family Physician in Dryden, was awarded a Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada at the 2024 annual conference.
Melissa Yeo, MD student, won the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada’s Student Essay Award at the 2024 SRPC conference on rural health care. The essay was published in the Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine in August 2024.
Dr. Barb Zelek, Professor, was awarded a CAME Certificate of Merit Award.
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NOSM University’s External Relations Team was awarded two 2024 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards of Merit for Communication Management and Creative Design. These awards are for the integrated marketing communications plan and creative design for The Future Will See You Now, which raised $10M.
2024 Faculty Promotions
Professor Emerita
- Dr. Carita Lannér
Professor Emeritus
- Dr. William McCready
Professor
- Dr. Tara Baron
- Dr. Ayman Hassan
- Dr. Alex Moise
- Dr. Alain Simard
Associate Professor
- Dr. Adedayo Alabi
- Dr. Melanie Breau
- Dr. Chantal Corbeil
- Dr. Lily DeMiglio
- Dr. Joseph Del Paggio
- Dr. Sarah Facca
- Dr. Renee Gauthier
- Dr. Ken Hotson
- Dr. Naana Afua Jumah
- Dr. Tara Leary
- Dr. Virginie Marchadier
- Dr. Renée-Anne Montpellier
- Dr. Florence Morriello
- Dr. Rebekah Neckoway
- Dr. Laura Power
- Dr. Kerry Reed
- Dr. David Savage
- Dr. Ravinder Jeet Singh
- Dr. Karen Splinter
