Strategic Direction 2: 

Advance Social Accountability

Major advances are being made in the deployment of “pathways” in rural generalism, Francophone health and Indigenous health. NOSM University is working closely with education program leads to align education offerings with societal and community needs.

Our anti-racism strategy and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives are reaching their second year, and as reported in the last President’s Report, NOSM University is leading Canada’s admissions in Indigenous and Francophone students and addressing socio-economic barriers to access to health professions.

Additionally, the Indigenous Reference Group has approved new Terms of Reference and is now a very functional advisory group along with a robust circle of Knowledge Keepers.

NOSM University has also adopted a new territory and reflection statement as follows.

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, NOSM University respectfully acknowledges that our pan-Northern campus is on the homelands of First Nations and Métis Peoples. The university buildings we occupy in Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay are located on the territory of the Anishinabek Nation, specifically Atikameksheng and Wahnapitae First Nations and Fort William First Nation. Beyond a land acknowledgement, we understand that reconciliation is a practice.

We gratefully acknowledge the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who share their gifts and teachings with us so that we may better understand and honour their wisdom, and that of all of the traditional keepers of this land. NOSM University will continue to practice reconciliation by listening, learning and fostering a culture of mutual respect and trust.

The Center for Social Accountability (CFSA) has made major progress in its establishment and branding. Of note, Dr. Alex Anawati is now the Clinical Lead in Social Accountability Advocacy Leadership and Policy. The Academic Director of the CFSA, Dr. Erin Cameron, while on sabbatical last winter, has been representing NOSM University on multiple national groups such as the Canadian Medical Education Research Centre Directors Group and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Social Accountability Network.