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Distributed education enables distributed economic impact: the economic contribution of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to communities in Canada

Distributed education enables distributed economic impact: the economic contribution of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to communities in Canada

  • June 9, 2021
  • John C. Hogenbirk, David R. Robinson & Roger P. Strasser
  • Article

This study estimates the local economic impact of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), which operates distributed medical education (DME) programs in economically disadvantaged communities. Using a cash-flow model, researchers analyzed spending by NOSM programs, staff, and learners across Northern Ontario. In 2019, direct spending totaled $64.6 million CAD, with the majority concentrated in the two largest cities, while smaller communities also saw meaningful investment. The total economic impact reached $107 million, supporting 702 full-time equivalent jobs. Additionally, NOSM-trained physicians practicing in the region contributed an extra $88 million. The findings highlight how DME can stimulate economic activity in underserved areas.

  • Source: Health Economics Review

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