Canada's first independent medical university begins operation

April 1 is the official start for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) as Canada's first independent medical university, with two campuses in the region.

Formerly operated in partnership with Sudbury's Laurentian University and Thunder Bay's Lakehead University, the medical school's two campuses are now operating together independently.

NOSM was established in 2002 to address the ongoing doctor shortage in northern Ontario.

The school has produced more than 780 MD graduates and 692 residents have completed NOSM programs, with more than half choosing to remain in the region, the school said in a news release.

"With the Ontario government’s recent announcement of medical education expansion, NOSM University will increase its medical degree enrolment by 47 per cent and residency positions by 68 per cent over the next five years," NOSM said.

"It is estimated that 300 physicians are still needed in northern Ontario to meet the immediate demand."

Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger said in a statement, "since 2005, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine has played an instrumental role in improving health equity in our region and has made significant contributions in our community through their distinctive and engaged model of medical education."

"NOSM University has always been a school created by northerners, for northerners and its values will always mirror who we are, where we live, and the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The City of Greater Sudbury is proud to support NOSM University, and we look forward the continued success of the institution, its graduates and faculty for many years to come," Bigger added.