NOSM: Partnership Opportunities in Research Gathering Report

Message from NOSM Dean and Associate Dean of Research

It was an honour for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) to host the Partnership Opportunities in Research Gathering. Research is a critical component of medical education at the School, and this unprecedented forum was a unique opportunity to address challenges of Aboriginal peoples and their historical relationship with research methodologies and practices.From the very beginning when NOSM was still a pan-Northern dream, Aboriginal communities supported the development of a medical school that would address the health-care needs of Northerners. Significantly, this timely event functioned both as a learning forum and as an expression of the School’s intent to reinforce relationships with Aboriginal communities through ongoing dialogue.

Aboriginal peoples, community representatives, researchers, organizations, and government representatives came together to listen, share perspectives, and attempt to understand divergent world views – essential steps in the recognition and acceptance of difference. The Gathering featured a candid exchange of opinions from Aboriginal community members affected by unsatisfactory research practices, presentations calling for new research approaches, and working group sessions, which together comprised invaluable contributions to the unfolding dialogue.

On behalf of everyone at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, we sincerely thank all presenters, participants, and organizations for attending this forum, and look forward to reengaging with Aboriginal peoples in collaborative partnerships aimed at improving the health of the people and communities of the North.

Dr. Roger Strasser
NOSM Dean

Dr. Greg Ross
NOSM Associate Dean,
Research

>> Download Partnership Opportunities in Research Gathering Report