The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has partnered with CIBC to launch a new initiative that will promote and recognize First Nations learner leadership and mentorship.
School Dean Dr. Sarita Verma says the $150,000 award program will improve learning and networking opportunities for their Indigenous students who have exhibited exceptional leadership within their community.
Dr. Verma adds the ultimate goal is increasing access to the best possible, culturally appropriate care in the north.
She says CIBC’s grant will support the School’s social accountability mandate by earmarking award funds specifically for Indigenous learners, faculty and alumni in the North.
CIBC Region Head for Northern Canada Chris Giulekas says the need for strong leaders in the health care sector has never been more critical.
He says the initiative will ensure young health care professionals have access to high-quality training and resources to serve their communities.
There will be three specific awards that will be handed out:
1. Indigenous Learner Leadership and Mentorship Award
This annual award will be given to an Indigenous NOSM learner in their final year of the MD program, who plans to return to a Northern community to practice medicine. The award will also establish a mentorship program, drawing upon past recipients to provide a network for Indigenous physicians in the North.
2. Leadership Award
These prestigious annual awards (valued at $20,000 each) will be presented to two Indigenous learners, one from Thunder Bay and one from Sudbury, who have demonstrated leadership qualities within the Indigenous community at NOSM throughout their MD program.
3. Mentorship
Mentorship opportunities (valued at $10,000 annually each) will be available to NOSM learners, past recipients, and practicing Indigenous physicians, to build a network and participate in professional development opportunities as a group. The fund will ensure purposeful face-to-face connections are built through NOSM’s Indigenous Affairs and Continuing Education and Professional Development units.
