The RBC Foundation is supporting the future of healthcare in the region by donating some money to NOSM University.
The university is receiving a total of $250,000.
Over the next three years, the donation will support a NOSM program designed to train and retain physicians in rural, remote, Indigenous and Francophone communities.
This includes initiatives led by Associate Dean of Physician Workforce Strategy, Dr. Sarah Newbery, whose work targets the region’s ongoing physician shortages through focused recruitment, hands-on community-based training, and strategic retention programs.
“This generous donation from RBC Foundation allows us to further develop the Rural Generalist Pathway,” says Dr. Newbery.
“It directly supports resident trainees in northern Ontario’s rural communities as they acquire the skills needed to become part of a sustainable and thriving physician workforce. We know that community-engaged education is key to retaining physicians where they are most needed, and this funding brings that vision closer to reality.”
NOSM University students train in more than 90 communities, including rural, Indigenous and Francophone communities throughout the region.
According to the university, almost 90 per cent of learners who complete both their MD and residency training at NOSM University stay to practise in northern Ontario.
“Communities across Canada continue to face challenges in health care, including staff shortages and limited access to physicians,” said the Vice-President of RBC Commercial Financial Services, Matt Simeoni.
“NOSM University is helping address these challenges here in northern Ontario, and this donation will support their important work to train and retain doctors across the region.”
