Elliot Lake and Surrounding Communities Roll Out the Red Carpet for NOSM University CCC Students PRESS RELEASEView Original Press Release On September 3, Elliot Lake and its surrounding communities rolled out the red carpet to warmly welcome three Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University students; Tiana Bressan, Tess Dufour, and Rosemary Rankin. These third-year medical students are beginning their Comprehensive Community Clerkship (CCC) for the upcoming academic year. For the past four years, Dr. Frank Chi and the City of Elliot Lake have led this initiative, and this year marks a significant milestone as he welcomes neighbouring communities, Blind River, Huron Shores, and Thessalon to join in in the festivities to ensure these young medical students feel truly at home. The welcoming dinner, hosted at Camp Thompson, was a heartwarming affair, with mayors and councillors from Elliot Lake and surrounding areas expressing their enthusiasm for hosting the students. The event highlighted the community’s dedication to supporting the next generation of medical professionals and celebrated the arrival of these future healthcare professionals. Dr. Chi, who has been instrumental in coordinating this initiative, emphasized the importance of community support in the students’ education. “The CCC program offers these students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the healthcare needs of our region, and the support from our communities is invaluable. This year’s collaborative approach will enrich the experience for our students.” Dr. Chi expressed gratitude to the Elliot Lake Local Education Group for their active participation and dedicated preceptorship in mentoring and guiding NOSM University students. He also expressed his gratitude to St. Joseph’s General Hospital, the City of Elliot Lake, ELNOS, Retirement Living, the Elliot Lake Family Health Team, and the recruitment committee for their ongoing support in making the students feel welcome in our community. From left to right: Mayor Bill Rosenberg, Mayor Andrew Wannan, NOSM U Board of Governors Chair John Stenger, Vice-Chair of Elliot Lake Retirement Living Louis Ucchi, Rosemary Rankin, Tess Dufour, Councillor Merrill Seidel, Dr. Frank Chi, Tiana Bressan, Mayor Sally Hagman, Dr. William Wannan, General Manager of ELNOS William Elliott, NOSM U Division Head Dr. Douglas Boreham, Councillor Luc Morrissette What makes this year’s welcome particularly special is the unified effort from all the communities involved, as the students will be spending time in all of the communities. The Mayors from Blind River, Thessalon, and the Huron Shores all extended warm welcomes, thoughtful gifts, and a sense of inclusion that will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on the students. The evening was filled with welcoming speeches, laughter, and a sense of comradery between communities as they all came together to support the students. Distinguished members of NOSM University’s Board of Governors and Division Head of Medical Sciences praised Dr. Chi for his unwavering commitment to the program and his dedication to recruitment efforts, highlighting how he ensures students gain a meaningful understanding of the challenges and rewards of working in Northern communities. The CCC program places NOSM University students in comprehensive clinical settings, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment. The support and hospitality of the communities play a crucial role in their learning journey, and this year’s collaborative effort exemplifies the strength and unity of the region. As Tiana, Tess, and Rosemary embark on this chapter of their medical education, Elliot Lake and its neighbouring communities are united to support them every step of the way, ensuring meaningful experiences, valuable learning, and unforgettable memories.