As Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) evolves into Canada's first stand-alone medical university, it's reaching out for input.
A town hall is being held in Timmins this week. Dr. Sarita Verma, NOSM dean, president and CEO is in town for a discussion and engagement session on the development of NOSM University.
It's taking place tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 10) at the Best Western on Airport Road at 5:30 p.m. You can also watch it online here.
"NOSM University is focused on moving forward with its strategic priorities, which includes supporting leaders with the skills to make bold changes. The University, once proclaimed into force, will maintain its mandate to advocate for equitable health care, especially for underserved rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities in Northern Ontario," reads the news release.
More than 300 doctors are needed in Northern Ontario, not factoring in retirement that may happen in the next five years, according to NOSM's estimates.
Timmins currently needs 28 doctors, including eight family doctors and 20 specialists.
There are 22 NOSM graduates practising in Timmins and 78 faculty members. The faculty members are doctors or healthcare providers working and teaching in the community. Eighteen of the faculty members identify as Francophone and two self-identify as Indigenous.
The event has limited in-person seating. RSVP to attend here.
