NOSM University has celebrated its 20th anniversary by announcing dozens of awards to staff, faculty members and students for their outstanding accomplishments tied to excellence in medical education, said a news release from the university.
Details of the awards were released Monday for an event held last Friday.
This milestone year highlights NOSM University’s two decades of pioneering socially accountable medical education and advancing equitable health care access across Northern Ontario, said the release.
The Achievement Celebration — held in conjunction with the Northern Constellations and Connections conference — honoured the exceptional dedication and service of faculty, preceptors, learners, alumni, and staff in health care, research and medical education, said NOSM.
A special tribute was paid to 21 staff and full-time faculty members celebrating 20 years of service, each of whom have played a formative role in shaping NOSM University.
In a year that marks its 20th anniversary, NOSM University proudly celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of its community during the third annual NOSM University Achievement Celebration, held Friday, May 9, 2025.
This milestone year highlights NOSM University’s two decades of pioneering socially accountable medical education and advancing equitable health care access across Northern Ontario. The Achievement Celebration—held in conjunction with the Northern Constellations and Connections conferences—honoured the exceptional dedication and service of faculty, preceptors, learners, alumni, and staff in health care, research and medical education. A special tribute was paid to 21 staff and full-time faculty members celebrating 20 years of service, each of whom have played a formative role in shaping NOSM University.
The evening also marked a celebration of academic excellence with the announcement of faculty promotions to the ranks of associate professor, full professor, and professor emerita. Six recipients were presented with the Dr. Sarita Verma Awards for Distinguished Leadership, recognizing their meaningful impact on health systems and education across the region.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the award recipients,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO. “I am deeply honoured to celebrate the remarkable individuals across the NOSM University community whose efforts continue to strengthen health care, medical education and research in Northern Ontario. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence reflect the very heart of NOSM University’s core values.”
Award winners included the following:
PCTA Award (Physician Clinical Teachers’ Association) presented to Dr. Edward Hirvi, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences and Family Medicine Section Chair. 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, said the release.
Health Sciences Awards - Innovative Preceptor Award presented to:
- Nina Vendetti, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy;
- Alexa Tipper, Preceptor, Physiotherapy;
- Bethany McKinley-Young, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology; and
- Caitlyn McLeod, Preceptor, Dietetics.
Interprofessional Collaborator Award celebrates individuals who are recognized by their peers and learners for being a good collaborator or leader of interprofessional learning:
- Kristi MacWilliam, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy;
- Sarah Jones, Preceptor, Physiotherapy; and
- Lisa Lees, Preceptor, Dietetics.
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:
- Michael Ivany, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy;
- Sandhya Aiyer, Preceptor, Physiotherapy;
- Susan Coulter, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology; and
- Erica Dubois, Preceptor, Dietetics.
Northern Ambassador 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:
- Kate Stadnyk, Preceptor, Occupational Therapy;
- Tyler Neil, Preceptor, Physiotherapy;
- Karen Figliomeni, Preceptor, Speech-Language Pathology; and
- Nola Thompson, Preceptor, Dietetics.
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:
- Dr. Katherine Richardson, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences.
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. Olexiy Aseyev, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences.
Clinical Teacher Award recognizes members of the Clinical Sciences Division for excellence in clinical teaching/supervision skills:
- Dr. Arianne St. Jacques, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences.
Community Champion Award 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. Jennifer Jocko, Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences.
Medical Educator Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to medical education research, and/or curriculum development.
- Dr. Cheryl Clayton, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences
Learner: Advocate/Leader Award recognizes learners for their achievements in advocacy and or leadership particularly with respect to improving education programs.
- Emma Harland, Third-year medical student.
Learner: Scholarly Activity Award recognizes learners for their teaching, research, and administrative contributions to NOSM University.
- Dr. Travis Quevillon, Second-year Internal Medicine resident.
Learner: Peer Teaching Award recognizes learners at all levels who strive to improve the teaching, learning, and educational environments for other NOSM University learners.
- Dr. Michelle Chae Min Lee, Second-year Internal Medicine resident.
Learner-Nominated Teacher Award recognizes members of the Clinical, Medical, or Human Sciences Division for excellence in either academic teaching, or clinical teaching and supervision.
- Dr. Amparo Wolf Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences.
Alumni Awards - 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. Athena Young, Clinical Lecturer, Clinical Sciences.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is presented annually to a NOSM University alumna/alumnus who has achieved excellence, personally or professionally. 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. Jason Sutherland, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences and Program Director, Family Medicine.
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.
- Kenneth Boshcoff, His Worship, Mayor of Thunder Bay.
- Jim Gordon, Former Mayor of Sudbury, MLA, Ontario Cabinet Minister, Member of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Sarita Verma Awards for Distinguished Leadership 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. Edward Hirvi, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences and Family Medicine Section Chair.
- Faculty West: Dr. Justin Jagger, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics Section Chair.
- Staff East: Denise Raftis, Dietetic Practicum Lead.
- Staff West: Anita Arella, Director, Faculty Affairs.
- Learner East: Chantae Robinson, Fourth-year medical student
- Learner West: Emma Harland, Third-year medical student
The Indigenous Leadership Award is presented to a learner who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the Indigenous community at NOSM University throughout their undergraduate medical education. The recipient has shown a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous health and culture, while also maintaining a high standard of academic excellence.
- Chloe Smith, Third-year medical student.