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 (Up to April 20, 2024)
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, was named a 2023 Order of Ontario Appointee on January 1, 2024. Dr. Clarke is described as “a transformational trailblazer and true visionary,” and “the first geriatrician in Northeastern Ontario.”
Dr. Michael Cotterill, Assistant Professor and Family Physician in Wawa, received the SRPC’s Rural Service Award at the 2024 annual conference.
Dr. Dani Garon, Family Medicine resident, received the 2024 PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award.
Dr. Naana Jumah, Assistant Professor, recieved the 2023 Carl Nimrod Educator Award. The Award recognizes outstanding achievement within the field of education in obstetrics and gynecology.
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. Allan Middleton received the 2024 Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) Resident Teaching Award for NOSM University.
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. 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.
Nusha Ramsoondar received the 2024 Rising Star Certificate of Excellence for a medical student from CAME.
Chantae Robinson, medical student, received the 2024 PARO Citizenship Award Medical Students at NOSM University.
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, medical student, received the Student Essay Award at the 2024 SRPC conference.
Drs. Hazem Elmansy, Mark Henderson, Patrick Rapley, Margaret Anthes, and Peter McGhee, and alumnus Isaac Tavares were recipients of iCare awards from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
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
2023 Award Recipients
Dr. Emmanuel Abara, Associate Professor, received the 2023 Rural Heart Award from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC).
Chelsie Baizana, medical student, received the CIBC Indigenous Learner Leadership Award for 2023.
Mr. John Beaucage, a Member of NOSM University’s Board of Governors and a citizen of Wasauksing First Nation, received the Order of Canada for his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous communities in Canada.
Dr. Matthew Bertrand, resident, recently received an award from Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) for a poster presentation titled Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Registered Nurses in Palliative Care at the 2023 HPCO annual conference.
Dr. Cheri Bethune, Professor, was honoured with the Jim Ruderman Family Medicine Education Leadership Award at the Family Medicine Forum (FMF) in Montreal.
Dr. Birubi Biman, Associate Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s Academic Leader Award.
Dr. Cindy Blackstock, NOSM University’s Chancellor, was honoured with the 2023 World’s Children’s Prize, also known as the “Children’s Nobel Prize” for her efforts to end discrimination against First Nations children. This award celebrates those who advocate for the Rights of the Child, democracy, and sustainable development and is voted on by children between the ages of 10 and 18 from around the world.
Dr. Eve Boissonneault, resident, received the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Family Medicine Resident Award for Scholarly Achievement at FMF, which recognizes the best scholarly work of family medicine residents across the country.
Dr. Julie Boucher, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Community Champion Award.
Dr. Erin Cameron, Assistant Professor, received the AMS Fellowship in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Catherine Cervin, Professor, was bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus at NOSM University’s inaugural convocation on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Dr. Claudette Chase, Assistant Professor, received a Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit Award.
Dr. Roderick Cheung, Assistant Professor, received the 2023 Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Brock Chisholm, Assistant Professor, received NOSM University’s Health Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Bruce Cook, Associate Professor, received the 2023 Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Kathryn Culliton is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Learner Scholarly Activity Award.
Malcolm Davidson received the Top Oral Presentation – Undergraduate Student for Exploring the Development of a Canadian Frostbite Care Network in Canada: a Qualitative Approach at NOSM University’s Northern Health Research Conference (NHRC).
Dr. Sebastian Diebel, resident, received the CFPC Family Medicine Resident Award for Scholarly Achievement which recognizes the best scholarly work of family medicine residents across the country.
Dr. Hazem Elmansy, Associate Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Clinical Scholar Award.
Kristiina Frechette, medical student, was awarded the CFPC Medical Student Scholarship which recognizes a top medical student in Canada who has demonstrated an interest in or commitment to a career in family medicine during their undergraduate medical education.
Dr. Yvon Gagnon, Assistant Professor, received the 2023 Lifetime Member Award from the SRPC.
Jenna Gilchrist received the Top Oral Presentation – Graduate Student for Influence of Sex Hormones Estrogen and Androgen on Catecholamine Biosynthesis at NOSM University’s NHRC.
Dr. James Goertzen, Professor, received the 2023 Physician Clinical Teachers’ Association (PCTA) Award and the 2023 Lifetime Member Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Tahereh Haji, Paediatrics resident, is the recipient of the 2023 Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) Resident Teaching Award.
Dr. William Hettenhausen, Associate Professor, received the Canadian Dental Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
Sarah Hunt, medical student, is the recipient of the 2023 PARO Citizenship Award.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, Associate Professor, was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Scotland. This prestigious international fellowship recognizes clinical achievements, confers international peer recognition, and offers enhanced professional opportunities that help Fellows contribute to setting standards and influencing policy.
Dr. Kirsten Jewell, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Medical Educator Award.
Kaila Jodoin was awarded the Nina Mehta Underserviced Population Recognition Award at the the University of Toronto Occupational Therapy departmental convocation awards after completing three of her fieldwork placements working with underserved communities in Northern Ontario through NOSM University.
Dr. Naana Jumah, Assistant Professor, received the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s (SOGC) Carl Nimrod Award.
Dr. Mercy Kingsley-Emereuwa, resident, recently received an award from HPCO for a poster presentation titled Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Registered Nurses in Palliative Care at the 2023 HPCO annual conference.
Dr. Mike Kirlew, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Honorary Alumni Award.
Alexandra Klem was the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Roger Strasser NHRC Student Travel Award for NOSM University’s NHRC.
Dr. Richard Kvas, NOSM University Associate Professor in Timmins, was awarded Regional Family Physician of the Year from the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP).
Danika Lavoie, medical student, recently received an award from HPCO for a poster presentation titled Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Registered Nurses in Palliative Care at the 2023 HPCO annual conference.
Sue LeBeau, Member of NOSM University’s Board of Governors, attained Fellowship status with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Joe Lipinski, NOSM University’s first Director of Finance, was posthumously awarded the inaugural Administration Award by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC).
Dr. Michelle Lutsch, resident, came in second place in the Resident Grand Rounds competition at the Lower and Upper Canada Anesthesia Symposium 2023.
Dr. Lorrilee McGregor, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Scholar Award.
Dr. David McLinden, Associate Professor, received the 2023 Rural Long Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Chris Meilleur, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Community Champion Award.
Dr. Florence Morriello, resident, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Learner-Nominated Teacher Award and the 2023 PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award.
Dr. Oksana Motalo, alumna, was awarded an Outstanding Resident Award from Queens University for demonstrating exceptional dedication to the well being of patients and peers, and passion for medical education and the profession.
Taylor Murie, medical student, received the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) Award for 2023.
Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Professor, was awarded the 2023 Canada Gairdner Momentum Award.
Dr. Laura Noack, Assistant Professor, was awarded Regional Family Physician of the Year from the OCFP and NOSM University’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
Dr. Diana Noseworthy, Assistant Professor, was recently honoured with the John Bradley Young Educator Award by the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS) for excellence and effectiveness in education in anesthesia.
Dr. Yasser Noureldin, Assistant Professor, was recognized among the top ten reviewers for the Canadian Urological Association Journal for 2023.
Dr. Robert Nugent, Assistant Professor, received the 2023 Lifetime Member Award and the Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Robert Ohle, Assistant Professor, was honoured with the Paul Hannam Memorial Award for Emerging Leadership in Emergency Medicine by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) at their annual meeting in Toronto.
Dr. Chidubem Okechukwu, resident, recently received an award from HPCO for a poster presentation titled Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Registered Nurses in Palliative Care at the 2023 HPCO annual conference.
Dr. Eliseo Orrantia, Professor, received the SRPC’s 2023 Rural Community Impact Award.
Mishomis Frank Ozawagosh received a Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of his significant contributions to Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation.
Dr. Martin Papineau, Assistant Professor, received the 2023 Rural Service Award from the SRPC.
Dr. Madison Peterson-Kowal, NOSM University resident, was awarded the inaugural Medical Resident Leadership Award from the Indigenous Physician Association of Canada (IPAC).
Dr. August Pierik, resident, came in first place in the Resident Grand Rounds competition at the Lower and Upper Canada Anesthesia Symposium 2023.
Dr. Lacey Pitre, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Clinical Teacher Award.
Dr. Chad Prevost, resident, received the CFPC Family Medicine Resident Award for Scholarly Achievement, which recognizes the best scholarly work of family medicine residents across the country.
Dr. Christine Pun, Associate Professor, recently received an award from HPCO for a poster presentation titled Point of Care Ultrasound Use by Registered Nurses in Palliative Care at the 2023 HPCO annual conference.
Dr. Venkadesan Rajendran, Assistant Professor, received the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s Innovation and Advancement Award.
Nusha Ramsoondar, medical student, received the Medical Student of the Year Award from the OCFP.
Dr. Mauriane Reade, Associate Professor, was named Canadian Women in Medicine’s (CWIM) Woman of the Week on July 4, 2023.
Dr. Sebastian Richard, resident, received a Family Medicine Resident Award for Scholarly Achievement at FMF.
Dr. TC Tai, Assistant Dean, Research and Professor, is the recipient of the René Guilbeault Research Award, which goes to a full-time faculty member for medical research, for his project The role of estrogen on adrenaline synthesis and hypertension.
Jamie Thompson, medical student, received the CAME 2023 Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence Award.
Taryn Thompson received the Top Poster Presentation – Undergraduate Student for Multiple exercise bouts increase GLUT4 expression in cardiac tissue following DOX treatment at NOSM University’s NHRC.
Dr. John Tuinema, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Rising Star Alumni Award.
Idorenyin (Idy) Udoeyop received the CAME 2023 Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence Award.
Dr. Darryl Vance, Assistant Professor, is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Faculty Mentorship Award.
Kathleen Walsh, resident, received the CAME 2023 Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence Award. Dr. Walsh also received a Research Award for Family Medicine Residents and a Family Medicine Resident Scholarship at FMF.
Taylor Wilkins is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Learner Peer Teaching Award.
Jillian Zitars received the Top Poster Presentation – Graduate Student for Suitability of the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team Model for Northern Context: A Preliminary Analysis at NOSM University’s NHRC.
Dr. Kaitlyn Zugic is awarded NOSM University’s 2023 Learner Advocate/Leader Award.
NOSM University is the co-recipient of a national prize for excellence in Francophone community engagement. The Prix de l’Engagement communautaire, awarded annually by the Societé Santé en français, recognizes success ensuring quality services for the Francophone community in a minority-language context. The award goes to an organization that has engaged Francophones in evaluating their needs and determining the kind of services they require.
