2026
Honouring Excellence
2026 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. 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
Postgraduate Medical Education Awards
- Dr. Sean Cuninghame, Clinical Lecturer, was awarded Best West Campus Clinical Teacher by NOSM University’s Internal Medicine Residency Program.
- Dr. Danny Hill, Assistant Professor, was awarded Best Community Clinical Teacher by NOSM University’s Internal Medicine Residency Program.
- Dr. Florence Morriello, Associate Professor, has been celebrated by NOSM University’s Internal Medicine Residency Program with three awards—Best East Campus Clinical Teacher, Best Academic Teacher, and Best Feedback on EPA Forms—that recognize for her commitment to training medical residents.
2026 External Awards Recipients
January 1 – December 31, 2026
Dr. Rami Abazid, Assistant Professor, has been selected for the prestigious American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Leadership Development Program.
Mohamed Alzahran, medical student, is the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students.
Dr. Dominique Ansell, Associate Professor, was celebrated as one of the 2026 Women of Distinction from YWCA Sudbury.
Tiana Bressan, medical student, has been awarded Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO)’s Citizenship Award for Medical Student.
Dr. Erin Cameron, Professor and Director of the Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, has received a Certificate of Merit Awards from the Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME).
Dr. Lisa Nichole Currie, Assistant Professor, has received a Rural Service Award from the Society of Rural Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (SRPC).
Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova, Associate Professor, has been recognized with the Dr. William Hutchinson Award for distinguished contributions to health services in Sault Ste Marie and the District of Algoma.
Laïla Faivre, Manager, Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University, was recognized for her leadership by Le Voyageur, which featured her in their International Women’s Day issue.
Dr. Jennifer Jocko, Assistant Professor, has been recognized with a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers. One of Rotary International’s highest honours, it recognizes people who exemplify “Service Above Self” through leadership, service, and community impact.
Dr. Frances Kilbertus, Associate Professor, has been honoured with a Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick, Professor, has been recognized with a Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine and a Rural Long Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Rayudu Koka, Professor, has received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Laurentian University in recognition of his legacy of transforming health care and his contributions to public service.
Dr. Brian Gaffney, Assistant Professor, has received a Regional Education Award for mentorship from Queen’s University School of Medicine.
Dr. Emily Groot, NOSM University Associate Professor and Program Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, was named 2026 Program Director of the Year by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Groot was also the recipient of the 2025 New Voices Award from The Clinical Teacher and the Association for the Study of Medical Education.
Dr. Danielle Gustafson-Mitchell, Assistant Professor, is the recipient of the PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award.
Dr. MacKenzie Ludgate, Clinical Lecturer, is the recipient of the Physician iCcare Award from Sault Area Hospital for demonstrating the iCcare values of Sault Area Hospital: Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration & Partnership, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
Dr. Michelle Lutsch, medical resident, is the first-ever recipient of the Anesthesia Program’s Gold Star Awards for exceptional patient care.
Taylor Marshall, medical student, has received a Rising Star Award from CAME.
Liam McAlister, medical student, has been awarded the 2026 first-year medical student award from the Kawartha Lakes Medical Society.
Dr. Dave McLinden, Associate Professor and Clinical Expansion Lead, has received a Certificate of Merit Awards from CAME.
Dr. Sean Moore, Associate Professor, has been recognized with a Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine and a Rural Long Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Alanna Morgan, Clinical Lecturer in Sioux Lookout, has received the Community Impact Award from the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada in recognition of her dedication to equitable health care for Indigenous communities.
Dr. Laura Noack, Assistant Professor, was honoured with a Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine of the SRPC.
Dr. Diana Noseworthy, Associate Professor and Section Chair, Anesthesia, has received a Certificate of Merit Awards from CAME.
Alanna Pullen, medical student, has received a Student Leadership Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Emily Queenan, Assistant Professor, has been awarded a Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. David Seligman, medical resident, has received a Rising Star Award from CAME.
Dr. Erik Slade, medical resident, has been recognized with the Resident Teaching Award from PARO.
Dr. Roger Strasser, Founding Dean Emeritus, was awarded an inaugural Rural Fellowship by the World Organization of Family Doctors.
Dr. Sara Van Der Loo, Assistant Professor, is the recipient of a Rural Long Service Award from the SRPC.
Cassandra Whymark, Master of Medical Studies learner, has received a Rising Star Award from CAME.
Dr. Kona Williams, Assistant Professor and Section Chair, Pathology, has been named a Member of the Order of Canada—Canada’s highest civilian honour.
Melissa Yeo, medical student, has been recognized with the Student Essay Award from the SRPC.
Hospital Awards
Hospitals in Northern Ontario celebrate staff, including many members of the NOSM University community, who deliver exceptional patient care.
Health Sciences North Foundation recognized the following faculty members with STAR Awards:
- Dr. Michèle Brûlé, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Aderaldo Costa Alves Jr., Assistant Professor
- Dr. Hooman Hennessey, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Ryan Hodgins, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Sydney Larsen, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Lacey Pitre, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Mohammed Shurrab, Associate Professor
- Dr. Justin Todd, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Lee Toner, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, and Professor
- Dr. Gordon Tsang, Clinical Lecturer
The Huntsville Hospital Foundation has celebrated the following members of the NOSM University community as Hospital Heros:
- Dr. Nick Biasutti, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Stacey Erven, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Rachel Greer, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Rohit Gupta, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Kirsten Jewell, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Emma Love, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Jennifer Macmillan, Associate Professor
- Dr. Lindsay MacMillan, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Pierre Mikhail, Associate Professor
- Dr. Keegan Selby, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. John Simpson, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Derek Smith, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Natalie Taylor, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Nastasia Wasilewski, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Tony Teng-Chih Yang, Assistant Professor
North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation celebrated the following members of the NOSM University community with Golden Heart Awards:
- Dr. Shakeela Ahmed, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Michael Bartucci, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Jonathan Blackadar, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Stephanie Brill, Assistant Professor
- Dr. David Cochrane, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Michael Creech, Assistant Professor
- Marie-Josee Dagenais, physiotherapy preceptor
- Dr. Reinhard Dolp, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Neva Fantham-Tremblay, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Donald Fung, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Rhea Galbraith, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Siji George, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Mary Grise, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Lisa Harman, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Jeffrey Hodge, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Inez Jinnah, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Rebekah King, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Adrian Kuchtaruk, Medical Resident
- Dr. Grant Lafontaine, Medical Resident
- Carrie Linklater, speech language pathology preceptor
- Dr. Bridget McDonald, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Ann Marie McKenna, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Amber Menezes, Associate Professor
- Dr. Linsey Mutch, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Linda Rankin, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Nicholas Roscoe, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Richard Senior, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Alexander Soon, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Jari Tuomi, Clinical Lecturer and NOSM University alumnus
- Flore Van Leemput, Master of Medical Studies Learner and North Bay Regional Health Centre volunteer, Hospital Elder Life Program
- Dr. Alicia Violin, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Kashif Visram, Clinical Lecturer
- Dr. Lukmaan Waja, Assistant Professor
2026 Faculty Promotions
Professor Emeritus
- Dr. Jaro Kotalik
- Dr. Amadeo Parissenti
Professor
- Dr. Olexiy Aseyev
Associate Professor
- Dr. Lucas Castellani
- Dr. Caitlin Champion
- Dr. Jose de Wit
- Dr. Philip George
- Dr. Jennifer Jocko
- Dr. Katie Kauffeldt
- Dr. Adrienne Kelly
- Dr. Yuvaraj Kotteeswaran
- Dr. Grace Ma
- Dr. Travis Marion
- Dr. Teresa Marsh
- Dr. Azadeh Mofid
- Dr. Tara Oliver
- Dr. Stefano Priola
- Dr. Owen Prowse
- Dr. Carly Pulkkinen
- Ms. Sheila Renton
- Dr. Arianne St. Jacques
- Dr. Aidan Wharton