The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is pushing forward with a clear vision to improve access to northern health care.
The board has approved the roadmap that was developed following consultations from 11 recent town halls and 64 meetings with over 1,000 individuals and organizations.
Regional meetings were held in Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay.
Dean, President and CEO Dr. Sarita Verma says there was one thing she heard loud and clear.
“Many communities in northern Ontario are facing a significant health-human resource crisis. Partly because of the shortage of physicians but also a very significant shortage of nurses.”
Dr. Verma adds, “Worsened by COVID. People are burning out a lot sooner and retiring well in advance of when you would expect.”
She stresses the school is even more committed and inspired to do good after hearing from northerners.
The strategy comes as the school prepares to become Canada’s first stand-alone medical university.
Dr. Verma says “Heard unequivocal positive support for our evolution into a university and also for the real good work we’ve done in bringing physicians to northern Ontario.”
