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Milestones & Achievements

Celebrating 20 Years of NOSM University

This year marks NOSM University’s 20th anniversary—a celebration of two decades of transformative medical education, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to health equity in Northern Ontario. Since its founding in 2005 as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, NOSM University has grown into Canada’s first independent medical university, shaping the future of health care in the North. 

Our journey is one of collaboration, perseverance, and progress. With nearly 1,000 MD graduates—over half of whom practise in Northern Ontario, including more than 80 Indigenous and nearly 200 Francophone physicians—our impact is profound. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, we continue to address the unique health-care needs of rural, remote, and underserved communities. 

Join us as we reflect on our milestones and look ahead to an even brighter future. 

2005: A Vision Becomes Reality

  • The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) opens its doors in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, welcoming 56 charter class MD students.
  • The Government of Ontario contributes $95.3M to establish the medical school.
  • Generous donors from across Northern Ontario help make NOSM a reality.
  • NOSM launches a visiting learner program, taking over Rehabilitation Sciences placements.

2006-2007: Pioneering Indigenous Health Education

  • NOSM becomes the first medical school to mandate a four-week Indigenous community placement.
  • The first Northern Health Research Conference and CampMed are launched.
    State-of-the-art research labs open with a $6M investment.
  • Third-year students complete an eight-month community clerkship.
  • The Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program welcomes its first class.

2008-2009: First Graduates & Growing Programs

  • NOSM’s first dietetic students become Registered Dietitians.
  • The MD charter class graduates, and the first family medicine residents complete their program.
  • The Physician Assistant Consortium is established in partnership with the
  • University of Toronto and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN.
  • The Northern Ontario Academic Medicine Association is formed to support academic medicine in the region.

2010-2011: Expanding Opportunities

  • MD program seats increase from 56 to 64 annually.
  • NOSM receives national recognition from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada.
  • The annual Northern Constellations faculty development conference is launched.

2012-2013: Global Recognition

  • Rendez-Vous 2012 conference welcomes 850+ delegates from 50 countries.
  • NOSM receives the ASPIRE Award for international excellence in medical education.
  • TVO launches Hard Rock Medical, a drama series inspired by NOSM’s unique model.

2014-2015: Strengthening Northern Health Care

  • NOSM celebrates 594 MD graduates, with more than half choosing to practice in Northern Ontario.
  • The 10th anniversary includes the fifth Francophone Symposium and Northern Health Research Conference.
  • Walking the Vision: Chapleau Cree First Nation hosts NOSM’s fourth Indigenous Community Partnership Gathering.

2016-2017: Impacting Local and Global Health

  • NOSM partners with European nations to enhance recruitment and retention of rural health professionals.
  • 160+ NOSM-trained family physicians serve an estimated 192,000 patients in Northern Ontario.
  • A study finds NOSM generates $100M in annual economic activity.
  • Medical Physics Residency Education Program is launched.

2018-2019: Strengthening Indigenous and Remote Health Care

  • NOSM partners with Matawa First Nations and Eabametoong First Nation to develop a unique two-year remote First Nations family medicine residency.
  • Dr. Sarita Verma is appointed as Dean, President, and CEO.
  • NOSM receives the Charles Boelen International Social Accountability Award.

2020: Breaking New Ground in Medical Education

  • NOSM launches the Master of Medical Studies program and Indigenous Health Practitioner Pathway.
  • The NOSM Challenge 2025 strategic plan is introduced.
  • New leadership roles are established for Physician Workforce Strategy and Equity and Inclusion.

2021: NOSM University Act & Historic Donations

  • The NOSM University Act, 2021 receives Royal Assent, paving the way for independence.
  • A record $1.2M donation from Dr. Hugh Robertson supports NOSM’s growth.
  • NOSM leads Operation Remote Immunity, ensuring COVID-19 vaccinations reach remote communities.
  • Centre for Social Accountability is established to drive equity in health care.

2022: Becoming Canada’s First Independent Medical University

  • NOSM officially becomes NOSM University and joins the Council of Ontario Universities.
  • The Ontario government announces 30 new MD and 41 residency seats.
  • The FDC Foundation donates $10M, supporting medical students and social accountability initiatives.
  • The Slaight Family Foundation donates $1M to support BIPOC women in medicine.
  • Dr. Cindy Blackstock is named NOSM University’s inaugural Chancellor.

2023-2024: Transformational Growth

  • The Temerty Foundation donates $10M to advance health equity and social accountability.
  • The Ontario government doubles MD and residency seats, bringing NOSM University’s annual MD intake to 108 students.
  • The Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity opens its physical location in Sudbury.
  • Dr. Michael Green is appointed as President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO.

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