NOSM University Honours Excellence in Health Sciences Education

Press Release

June 15, 2026

Exceptional health education begins with exceptional educators. As part of its commitment to strengthening the future health workforce across Northern Ontario, NOSM University celebrated the outstanding contributions of health sciences educators.

At the Health Sciences Preceptor Awards, held on Friday, June 12 in Sudbury, 17 registered dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, and speech language pathologists were recognized for their excellence in educating the next generation of health sciences professionals.

Training health-care professionals in Northern Ontario is a proven recruitment strategy that enhances the health-care workforce. Learners completing NOSM University’s Dietetic Practicum Placement, a required component on the pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian, are more likely to remain in Northern Ontario, with 77% staying in the region after graduation. Visiting physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech language pathology learners complete placements in the North as part of degree programs at universities across Ontario, and many go on to join Northern Ontario’s health-care workforce.

This education is made possible by more than 650 preceptors who dedicate their time—much of it on a volunteer basis.

“These preceptors live the values of NOSM University. They strengthen health education right here in the North, and they strive for excellence in teaching, research, and leadership. Their work makes a tangible difference in the health of Northern Ontarians. We are proud to celebrate them with these awards,” says Dr. Michael Green, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of NOSM University.

Health Sciences preceptors were recognized across five award categories.
Northern Ambassador

This uniquely Northern award celebrates preceptors who are strong ambassadors for their communities, and who create a welcoming environment for learners.

• Registered dietitian: Janet Drennan, Fort Frances

• Physiotherapist: Riley Waugh, West Nipissing

• Occupational therapist: Lauren McKinley and Lauren Rizzo, Sault Ste. Marie

• Speech language pathologist: Brenda Liddle, Huntsville

Commitment to Clinical Education

These preceptors frequently and enthusiastically participate in and champion clinical education.

• Registered dietitian: Adriana Bressan, Sault Ste. Marie

• Physiotherapist: Justin Smal, M’Chigeeng First Nation

• Occupational therapist: Valérie Fecteau, Sudbury

• Audiologist: Manon Ethier, Timmins

Interprofessional Collaborator

These preceptors demonstrate leadership in interprofessional learning and collaboration across health professions.

• Registered dietitian: Jennifer Santerre-Smith, Sudbury

• Physiotherapist: Cam Coulter, Sault Ste. Marie

• Occupational therapist: Carrie-Lynne Basto, Sudbury

Innovative Preceptor Award

These preceptors embrace innovation in clinical learning. They are prepared to do things differently and innovate to support learners’ needs.

• Registered dietitian: Erika Ouellette, Sudbury

• Physiotherapist: Aubrey Arnocky, North Bay

• Speech language pathologist: Carlee Juurakko, Thunder Bay

Academic Excellence Award

These preceptors help drive scholarly activities, including research, mentorship, and academic instruction.

• Registered dietitian: Alice Haasdyk, Sudbury

• Occupational therapist: Monique Jardine, North Bay

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NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote, and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

For further information, please contact news@nosm.ca.

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