Media.Knet.Ca

The new Northern Ontario School of Medicine is preparing to invite medical students from southern Ontario to spend two weeks in rural and remote First Nations in June 2005. These pilot placements will help the NOSM staff and the participating First Nations determine the needs and priorities for the first year placement of NOSM students in the spring of 2006.

Two NOSM pilot project coordinators, Tom Terry and Cindy Crowe have been contracted to meet with First Nations and support the implementation of this pilot project. They are working closely with Orpah McKenzie, NOSM's Aboriginal Liaison Director to ensure the participating First Nations are ready for a successful experience during these placements.

Last week, the NOSM team consisting of Dr. Dan Hunt, Orpah McKenzie, Martha Mussico, Tom Terry and Cindy Crowe met with the Sioux Lookout Zone Health Directors to discuss this pilot project and identify possible placement sites for June 2005. That evening, they met with Keewaytinook Okimakanak staff (Penny and Brian). The next day, Tom Terry made a presentation to the Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak about the pilot project. He invited the Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations to participate in this pilot and showcase the telehealth services being delivered from the health centres in each of their health centres.

Orpah McKenzie, Aboriginal Liaison and Tom Terry, Pilot Project Coordinator work with Cal Kenny to set up the NOSM pilot project web site.