Northern Ontario needs more health resources, especially in rural and remote areas, said Dr. Sarita Verma, the .
That’s the message Dr. Sarita Verma, president, dean and CEO of NOSM University (Northern Ontario School of Medicine), delivered at the medical school’s December board meeting when she reported on the extensive in-person community consultations that were held across Northern Ontario in the past few months.
Verma said more than 1,000 residents, students, staff members and health-care professionals took part in the consultation process and provided feedback.
“Since September, we’ve had the honour of meeting and hearing from people from Kenora and Sioux Lookout to Hearst and Parry Sound in our travels,” said Verma.
“What we heard frequently and consistently was that the North needs more health resources in rural and remote areas, and the dedicated health-care workers in those areas, especially in the pandemic era, need urgent relief in order to keep going.”
Verma said the consultation process, which was held in Sudbury, Thunder Bay and in more than a dozen other Northern Ontario communities has resulted in a clear vision for NOSM to improve access to northern health care. Verma hosted the consultation meetings in both online and in-person live sessions.
“By listening to all perspectives and learning, key priorities began to take shape. A common concern, whether in Red Lake or Huntsville, was that communities across the North share long-standing issues related to health inequities,” said Verma
Verma's in-depth consultation report was approved by the board.
As NOSM stands ready to become Canada’s first stand-alone medical university, its leaders are undertaking a bold strategic plan that charts a daring, socially-accountable path forward, in concert with Indigenous, Francophone and other partners across all regions in the North, said a news release.
All of NOSM’s education programs are fully accredited and in high standing with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Medical Council of Canada, said the release.
“NOSM University will continue to emphasize its primary mandate to addressing the region's health-care gaps,” says Dr. Verma. “NOSM prioritizes the need for education in Northern Ontario and leading population and health research to make sure that any health care provided is tailored specifically to the needs of the people in the region. NOSM University will continue to meet the needs of the north and we will recruit from its people – who train here in culturally relevant programs and stay here to practise.”
Verma added that although NOSM will be a standalone institution, it will not be alone.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the province and the many enthusiastic donors who share our vision. The future and potential of NOSM University is truly limitless.”
Verma's report for "A year in review. Meeting the NOSM Challenge" can be viewed and downloaded on the NOSM website.
