NOSM contributes to knowledge economy

Since taking up the post of Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), I have been greatly impressed by the spirit of co-operation of so many who support and assist the school through its many stages of growth.

Much has been accomplished since NOSM opened its doors to the first class of students entering the M.D. program in 2005.  In previous columns I have highlighted the school's significant academic achievements, program successes and innovative education model-all of which have raised the profile and recognition of NOSM across Canada and around the world. 
 
These successes have risen from the power of participation.  From the very beginning, physicians, the host universities, politicians, and community supporters of every kind lobbied for the creation of a made-in-the-North medical school that would respond to the unique health challenges of the region.  The result is an innovative, distributed, and community-engaged school with a social accountability mandate to contribute to improving the health of the people and communities of Northern Ontario.

The rewards of fulfilling the dream of a medical school for Northerners are far-reaching.  A report recently released by the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Laurentian University in Sudbury tells of the multiple benefits resulting from the school in health care, education, and in communities across Northern Ontario.


Findings

The findings of the impact study, entitled, Exploring the Socio-Economic Impact of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, were summarized in a public release of the report on February 9, 2010 by the principal researchers, CRaNHR directors Dr. Raymond Pong and Dr. Bruce Minore, and Laurentian University Economics Professor, Dr. David Robinson.

Among the key findings is the multi-million dollar annual impact NOSM has on the economy of Northern Ontario. In the 2007-2008 fiscal year, for example, the school spent $37 million, and, according to the report, the recirculation of these funds generated between $67 million and $82 million of economic activity.  Communities across Northern Ontario, particularly those with teaching sites where NOSM learners receive clinical training, benefit financially from their participation in the school.

These contributions, say the researchers, are important as they mark qualitative shifts in the economy. Employment opportunities in health care, education, teaching and administration lead to less reliance on a traditional resource-based economy toward one that is more knowledge-based.

The widespread movement to bring a medical school to Northern Ontario has also impacted job growth. NOSM funds over 230 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, and it is estimated that the school supports a total of 420 - 510 FTE positions in Northern Ontario through various economic effects. Stipendiary fees are also paid to more than 670 physician teachers in multiple teaching and research sites in over 70 Northern Ontario communities where NOSM learners undertake clinical training in hospitals, health centres and family practices. 

Beyond the numbers, important as they are as a measure of economic growth, is the pride in NOSM that exists across the region, and other social indicators that are part and parcel of NOSM's story. Community leaders, and others who participated in interviews for the report, share the belief that the school exists because they fought for it.  Individuals in practically every community visited for this study anticipate that NOSM graduates will relieve the chronic shortage of physicians across Northern Ontario, and that Francophone and Aboriginal medical learners will respond to the needs of these important cultural groups.  There has been much heart-felt investment made in NOSM and its commitment to health care and research in the North.


Positive impact

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has impacted the region in other significant, though perhaps less tangible, ways.  Interviewees in the study reported that NOSM has had a positive impact on the school's host universities -Lakehead and Laurentian -and affiliated health-care institutions.

The recruitment and retention of physicians, health providers and specialists has also increased in community hospitals and health centres across the region, they report, thanks in part to the expanded teaching and research opportunities available with the medical school. Health practitioners also benefit from the infrastructure upgrades and improved telecommunications systems at NOSM community learning sites.

The Exploring the Socio-Economic Impact of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine report demonstrates that, in a few short years, NOSM has impacted health care, contributed to job growth and aided economic development. In addition, it has also served as an example of how Northern communities, when empowered by a shared goal, can make dreams come true. 

I invite you to read CRaHNR's full report by visiting the school's website at
www.nosm.ca.