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. Sean Sullivan, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury 

Health Sciences Awards 

Northern Ambassador Award 

This uniquely Northern award celebrates preceptors who are strong ambassadors for their communities, and who create a welcoming environment for learners. 

• Registered dietitian: Janet Drennan, Fort Frances  
• Physiotherapist: Riley Waugh, West Nipissing  
• Occupational therapist: Lauren McKinley and Lauren Rizzo, Sault Ste. Marie 
• Speech language pathologist: Brenda Liddle, Huntsville 

Commitment to Clinical Education Award 

These preceptors frequently and enthusiastically participate in and champion clinical education. 

• Registered dietitian: Adriana Bresson, Sault Ste. Marie  
• Physiotherapist: Justin Smal, M’Chigeeng First Nation 
• Occupational therapist: Valérie Fecteau, Greater Sudbury 
• Audiologist: Manon Ethier, Timmins 

Interprofessional Collaborator Award 

These preceptors demonstrate leadership in interprofessional learning and collaboration across health professions. 

• Registered dietitian: Jennifer Santerre-Smith, Greater Sudbury 
• Physiotherapist: Cam Coulter, Sault Ste. Marie 
• Occupational therapist: Carrie-Lynne Basto, Greater Sudbury 

Innovative Preceptor Award 

These preceptors embrace innovation in clinical learning. They are prepared to do things differently and innovate to support learners’ needs. 

• Registered dietitian: Erika Ouellette, Greater Sudbury 
• Physiotherapist: Aubrey Arnocky, North Bay  
• Speech language pathologist: Carlee Juurakko, Thunder Bay 

Academic Excellence Award 

These preceptors help drive scholarly activities, including research, mentorship, and academic instruction. 

• Registered dietitian: Alice Haasdyk, Greater Sudbury 
• Occupational therapist: Monique Jardine, North Bay 

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. Erin Cameron, Professor, Thunder Bay
• Dr. Simon Lees, Professor, Thunder Bay

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. Mohammed Shurrab, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury

Clinical Teacher Award

The Clinical Teacher Award recognizes members of the Clinical Sciences Division for excellence in clinical teaching/supervision skills.

• Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova, Associate Professor, Sault Ste. Marie

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.

• Dr. Mary Grise, Assistant Professor, North Bay

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. Sarah Clark, Associate Professor, Thunder Bay
• Dr. Neelam Khaper, Professor, Thunder Bay

Faculty Mentorship Award

The Faculty Mentorship Award recognizes the exemplary commitment by a clinical faculty member to the mentorship of other faculty.  

• Dr. Frances Kilbertus, Associate Professor, Mindemoya 

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.

• Chelsey Pilon, medical student, Greater Sudbury

Learner: Scholarly Activity Award

The Learner Scholarly Activity Award recognizes learners for their teaching, research, and administrative contributions to NOSM University.  

• Dr. Chidubem Okechukwu, medical resident, Greater Sudbury

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.

• Mustafa Alzahran, medical student, Greater Sudbury

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. Stephanie Sbrocchi, Associate Professor, Greater Sudbury

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. Sarah Habinski (MD 2018, Psychiatry 2024), Clinical Lecturer, Thunder Bay

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. Nicole Zavagnin (MD 2009, Family Medicine, 2011), Associate Professor, Thunder Bay

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.

• Dr. Roger Strasser, Founding Dean Emeritus​​