Northern Ontario School of Medicine

NOSM University (formerly the Northern Ontario School of Medicine) in Thunder Bay, Canada, is an independent medical university with a social accountability mandate focused on improving the health of Northern Ontarians. Established in 2002, it has campuses in both Thunder Bay and Sudbury, offering a unique, community-engaged learning experience.

Academics

NOSM University offers a fully accredited MD program, a Master of Medical Studies, a Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP), a Medical Physics Residency Education Program (MPREP), and Physician Assistant programs. The teaching approach emphasizes community-based learning, with students spending a significant portion of their time in off-campus placements across Northern Ontario. The curriculum integrates medical and human sciences with extensive community-based experiences. A notable aspect is the mandatory first-year Integrated Community Experience (ICE), a four-week placement in a First Nation, Métis, or Indigenous health organization in Northern Ontario.

International Students

NOSM University prioritizes Canadian citizens and permanent residents, particularly those from Northern Ontario, for admission. While specific international student acceptance rates are very low, the university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and respect, embracing differences in race, gender, and background. Programs are taught in English, and the university fosters a culture of kindness and social accountability. International undergraduate medical students can utilize the AFMC Student Portal for visiting electives at Canadian medical schools, including NOSM University.

Campus & Location

NOSM University's Thunder Bay campus is situated on the Lakehead University campus, on the shores of Lake Superior. Thunder Bay, with a population of approximately 117,000, offers a blend of city life and access to the wilderness of Northern Ontario. The university does not offer on-campus residence but assists students with housing for compulsory placements outside their home community. Virtual tours are available to explore the campus facilities, including classrooms, labs, and student areas.

Career Outcomes

NOSM University has a strong track record of its graduates practicing in Northern Ontario, fulfilling its mission to address regional healthcare needs. Over half of its MD graduates have remained in Northern Ontario, with a significant percentage choosing family medicine, which is higher than the national average for Canadian medical schools. For those who completed both undergraduate and postgraduate training at NOSM, 89% have stayed in Northern Ontario. The university's community-engaged learning model and compulsory rural community placements contribute to these high retention rates.