THUNDER BAY – On October 9-14, 2012, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) will host a major world conference called Rendez-Vous 2012. Part of organizing Rendez-Vous 2012 is recognizing that there are numerous low-income countries that share a similar social accountability mandate as NOSM, which is to contribute to the improvement of the health of the people and communities they serve. To better enable participants from these countries to attend, conference organizers are looking for host family accommodations in the Thunder Bay community to assist the students and faculty members from these visiting countries.
For Elizabeth Ainsworth, becoming a host family for a Rendez-Vous 2012 delegate in her home offers an opportunity like no other. “My husband is from South Africa and we have a blended family, so we are always looking for new ways to introduce different cultures to our children,” explained Ainsworth.
After receiving an e-mail at work at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Ainsworth knew she and her family would be more than happy to welcome a delegate from across the globe into their home. “My children already have an interest in health related careers, I think this is a great opportunity for them to meet medical professionals from countries so different than our own,” she said.
If you or someone you know is interested in hosting a Rendez-Vous 2012 delegate, please contact Cathy Powell at 807-766-7391 or by e-mail at cathy.powell@nosm.ca. NOSM wishes to extend sincere appreciation to all of the hosting families.