The new Northern Ontario School of Medicine is preparing to invite medical students from southern Ontario to spendtwo weeks in rural and remote First Nations in June 2005. These pilot placements will help the NOSM staff and the participating First Nations determine the needs and priorities for the first yearplacement of NOSM students in the spring of 2006.

Two NOSM pilot project coordinators, Tom Terry and Cindy Crowe, have beencontracted to meet with First Nations and support the implementation ofthis pilot project. They are working closely with Orpah McKenzie,NOSM's Aboriginal Liaison Director to ensure the participating FirstNations are ready for a successful experience during these placements.

Last week, the NOSM team consisting of Dr. Dan Hunt, Orpah McKenzie, Martha Mussico, Tom Terry and Cindy Crowe met with the Sioux Lookout ZoneHealth Directors to discuss this pilot project and identify possibleplacement sites for June 2005. That evening, they met with KeewaytinookOkimakanak staff (Penny and Brian). The next day, Tom Terry made apresentation to the Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak about the pilotproject. He invited the Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations toparticipate in this pilot and showcase the telehealth services beingdelivered from the health centres in each of their communities.

Orpah McKenzie, Direcor of Aboriginal Affairs, and Tom Terry, Pilot Project Coordinator worked with K-Net's Cal Kenny to set up the NOSM pilot project web site.