NOSM University

Program Highlights

Type of curriculum:

Block-based clinical curriculum. This stream is a 2.5-year program with multiple community touchbacks and additional cultural learning embedded throughout the residency program. The additional 6 months of training is focused on areas such as rural and remote medicine, Indigenous health, elder teachings and cultural safety training. 

PGY1 Duration PGY2 Duration
FM in Thunder Bay 8 weeks FM in Thunder Bay 8 weeks
FM Rural 8 weeks FM Rural 8 weeks
Internal Med 4 weeks EM 4 weeks
EM 4 weeks Pain/Addictions 4 weeks
OB/GYN 4 weeks Internal Med 8 weeks
Mental Health 8 weeks Psychiatry 4 weeks
Pediatrics 4 weeks OB/GYN 4 weeks
Pain/Addictions 4 weeks Pediatrics 4 weeks
Hospitalist 4 weeks Electives 8 weeks
Electives 4 weeks

Unique features:

• Required two-year Return of Service (ROS) agreement providing services to the Matawa Health Co-operative (MHC) in Thunder Bay and at least 1 week per month in remote communities. 

• Concentrated training opportunities in cultural competency, addictions and mental health, and interprofessional team care

• Elders Teaching Program provides the opportunity for residents in the stream to learn from Elders in the region.

Scholarly activities:

A number of scholarly activities are planned within the program[1]:

• Research and/or quality improvement (QI), supported by a tutor

• Ongoing didactic and small group sessions focused on Evidence-Based Medicine, Research and Quality Improvement

• Resident Research Day

Course funding:

Provides financial support for ACLS and NRP.  Also provided with some financial support through the Resident Reimbursement Fund (RRF) to attend other courses or conferences such as Family Medicine Forum (FMF) and Society of Rural Physicians Rural and Remote Medicine Conference (SRPC).[1]
Subject to availability and program approval, various courses to prepare residents for isolated practice such as Airway Interventions Airway Interventions & Management in Emergencies (AIME), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM), Plastics – Rural Care, CaSTED – Fracture Management Course may be offered.[1]

Housing support for core rotations away from home base and primary residence for up to 6 months per academic year.[1]

Community Highlights

Recreation:

Endless hunting, fishing, and trapping in all seasons. Common winter activities include hockey, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing,  skating, and snowmobiling. Vast expanses of water allow for swimming, canoeing, and boating in the spring and summer, as well as hiking and camping.[3]

Cultural notes:

Thunder Bay has a number of museums, galleries, and other visitor attractions such as restaurants, shopping, recreational facilities, golf courses, and a waterfront district.[4]

Cost of living:

Average monthly cost of living in Thunder Bay including rent is $2448.[5]