SLMHC’s Sandhya Aiyer receives NOSM University’s Commitment to Clinical Education award

Sandhya Aiyer, Physiotherapist at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC), is this year’s proud recipient of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University Commitment to Clinical Education award.

The award is given to a preceptor who demonstrates commitment towards the clinical education of health science professional learners in the North as evidenced by being a frequent and willing participant, supporter and champion of clinical education.

The award, which was not on her radar, came as a pleasant surprise, stemming from a nomination entered by one of her mentees.

“Interestingly, I did not know that I was nominated. It came as a very unexpected and wonderful surprise because honestly, I did not know that there were awards associated with mentoring students, so it was a surprise completely. And I think as somebody who has only been mentoring with NOSM students over just two years, I think it’s very validating and humbling to be recognized,” Aiyer says.

She credits her time in Sioux Lookout for the strides she has made personally and professionally in the last several years, which ultimately led to her winning this award.

Aiyer, who has previously lived and worked in larger centres provincially and internationally, like Toronto, Haliburton, Huntsville and India before that, notes that the past four years living in Sioux Lookout has been a welcomed change for her.

“I think moving from a bigger city was quite a bit of change for me, but it’s been a very refreshing change of pace, I would say, moving to a smaller town. It’s just allowed me more of a work-life balance because I’m not constantly rushing and it’s given me more opportunity to have more patient-focused and patient-centred care because I have the time to actually build those relationships and give time to my patient care,” Aiyer says.

She has found that her practice has grown significantly, particularly in the area of cultural sensitivity in patient care, and she attributes that to being in Sioux Lookout and working at SLMHC.

“The slow rhythm that comes with the smaller town has actually been helpful in the kind of practice that I have now. Most importantly, it’s the opportunity to engage with the local Indigenous culture in moving to Sioux Lookout, which is very rewarding. I’m very happy that I get to work at a place where I can connect with the Indigenous culture more, and it’s brought that culturally sensitive aspect of patient care into my practice,” she says.

Aiyer takes inspiration and encouragement from this experience. She is beaming with gratitude and vows to continue in mentorship as she sees it as her way to give back to the profession.

“I’d just love to add that I’m very thankful to NOSM for the award and I’m also very thankful to SLMHC for giving me the platform to be able to mentor students. The award has been inspiring me to continue mentoring students, and it’s my way to give it back to the profession and hoping to continue to grow in this role,” she concludes.

SLMHC is very proud of Sandhya and looks forward to her continued excellence in Physiotherapy.

“Congratulations on receiving NOSM’s Commitment to Clinical Education Award – a well-earned recognition that reflects your ongoing dedication to professional growth and excellence in rehabilitative education and quality patient care,” says Adrienne Crosby, SLMHC Rehabilitation and Pharmacy Manager.