The Northern Ontario School of Medicine's medical doctor program was recently accredited for eight years. This is the longest period of time for which it could have received accreditation.
The accreditation comes after a rigorous review process that included site visits by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) to NOSM’s two campuses at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay) and Laurentian University (Sudbury), and one of NOSM’s teaching sites (Kapuskasing) in March.
The accreditation process reviews all levels of a medical education program. It determines whether or not there is an appropriate balance between student enrollment and the total resources of the institution, including faculty, physical facilities, and the operating budget.
“This is a significant achievement for not only a newer medical school, but even amongst some of Canada’s oldest medical schools,” NOSM dean Dr. Roger Strasser said, in a press release.
“To receive full accreditation for the maximum allotted time is a testament to the exemplary work performed by all staff, faculty, and learners at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.”
The findings included in the CACMS/LCME report highlight NOSM’s continued success in refining its unique and innovative approach to medical education, the press release said.
The survey team commented that the student body at NOSM not only promotes, but also embraces the School’s mandate to be socially accountable to the cultural diversity of the populations that it serves.
The report also indicated that each of the sites visited, including Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Kapuskasing, provide teaching facilities and student spaces that are exceptional for learning.
“The accreditation process has been a significant undertaking for many staff and faculty members at NOSM. With my deepest appreciation, I congratulate everyone involved for their tireless efforts,” Dr. Lisa Graves, associate dean, undergraduate medical education.
NOSM’s next full survey is scheduled to take place during the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Posted by Jenny Jelen
