Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school aims to address Ontario doctor shortage

Exciting news for Ontario’s healthcare system as a new medical school is scheduled to open in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this year. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is all set to launch its new medical school in Brampton, Ontario, in September. The inaugural class will consist of 94 undergraduates and 105 postgraduates, also known as residents.

TMU President Mohamed Lachemi emphasized that all students will be Canadian, with the majority hailing from Ontario. The aim is to attract a diverse group of future doctors, with the hope that many will choose to remain and practice in Brampton. Lachemi highlighted the challenges faced by Brampton residents in accessing primary care and the city’s rapid growth and cultural diversity.

The establishment of new medical schools is part of the Ford government’s strategy to address the issue of the significant number of Ontarians without a family doctor, which stood at 2.5 million as of July last year. Research has shown that individuals without a regular family physician tend to rely more on emergency rooms and are at a higher risk of hospitalization.

Dean of the new medical school, Teresa Chan, stressed the importance of generalists in healthcare, particularly in family medicine, emergency medicine, and general pediatrics. However, there is a decline in medical school graduates opting for family medicine due to funding challenges and administrative burdens.

TMU’s approach includes incorporating modern insights on education and healthcare into its curriculum. The school plans to integrate lessons learned from the post-pandemic period and incorporate machine learning and generative AI into its teaching.

In the first round of applications, TMU’s medical school received around 6,500 applications, surpassing expectations by 1,500. The school looks beyond academic qualifications, considering applicants’ personal attributes and involvement in various initiatives. Applicants are not required to have a science background, and there are no prerequisite undergraduate courses.

Moreover, TMU has partnered with the Peel District School Board to target underrepresented groups in healthcare, creating a pathway for future students. While initial reports mentioned reserved admission spots for equity-deserving pathways, TMU clarified that there are no quotas for acceptance. Prospective students can still apply through the equity-deserving pathway, along with separate Indigenous and Black admissions pathways.

The medical school is currently undergoing renovations, with the City of Brampton donating the former Bramalea Civic Centre to the school. The city also provided funds for construction, with the former library space transforming into part of the school’s medical library.

Overall, the establishment of TMU’s new medical school in Brampton signifies a positive step towards addressing healthcare challenges and fostering diversity in the medical profession. The school’s innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity are set to make a significant impact on healthcare in the region.