Media.Knet.Ca

See the Thunder Bay Source news story below the NOSM press release ....

from http://www.normed.ca/events_publications/media_room/releases/english/2006_05_09_en.htm

MEDIA RELEASE - Northern Ontario School of Medicine - May 9, 2006

Medical School Donation Strengthens Future Prospects for Northern Youth

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2006 - Earlier today, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) announced a unique partnership which will allow funding in support of a youth mentoring program. A generous donation from the ING Foundation will allow the Medical School to manage a youth mentoring pilot project where at-risk youth will be matched with medical student role models.

“Building the Applicant Pool for Health Care Careers: Canada’s Youth at Risk and Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders” will be piloted this summer. During the week-long enrichment experience, Northern Ontario high school students will learn about medical school and health care careers while being mentored by NOSM medical students.

ING Canada recognized the value of the project for the future of Northern youth and health care professionals. “ING Canada strives to help build safer, healthier and stronger communities,” said Sue Gibbs, Vice President, ING Group Insurance - Ontario Region. “This program not only provides opportunities to at-risk youth, it also strengthens the leadership skills and sense of community within future physicians. We are very proud to partner with the Medical School on such a worthwhile venture.”

Dr. Dan Hunt, NOSM Vice Dean, Academic Activities, is confident that the program will have long-term benefits for all involved – the youth, NOSM students and the communities of Northern Ontario. “Studies show that enrichment programs coordinated out of medical schools that target at-risk youth make a difference.” “The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is grateful to ING for providing the funding to help move this program forward,” said Dr. Roger Strasser, Founding Dean. Dr. Strasser further noted that the program is in keeping with the Medical School’s commitment to community-based programs.

The pilot program is representative of NOSM’s mandate to focus on training more physicians from Aboriginal backgrounds, rural environments and Northern Francophone environments. Youth from these backgrounds are historically at higher risk for not completing school and do not receive exposure to the science courses required to gain entry to health sciences and medical schools. The focus of this mentoring program is to engage participants while increasing their knowledge of health care careers with a particular focus on gaining entry in to medical school.

Recruitment of youth participants will begin shortly. The pilot project will take place at the School’s West Campus at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Expansion of the program will be based on the results of the pilot.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a pioneering faculty of medicine. The School is a joint initiative of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities, with main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, and multiple teaching and research sites across Northern Ontario. By educating skilled physicians and undertaking health research suited to community needs, the School will become a cornerstone of community health care in Northern Ontario.

-30-

Tracie Smithh
NOSM West Campus
(807) 766-7314 or (807) 624-7862
Tracie.Smith@normed.ca 

Marlene Moore
NOSM East Campus
(705) 662-7243
Marlene.Moore@normed.ca
 
+++++++++++

from http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=82842