Committed to Community-Centred Health Care Training
The York University School of Medicine is an extension of our commitment to respond to student interests and community needs for high-quality health care. York has long been a leader in advancing cross-disciplinary health programming and research.
On April 3, 2024 the Provincial Government announced its support for the York University School of Medicine
The University is committed to working with the community and supporters to develop programming that addresses the health care challenges facing our province and makes a real difference in the lives of people in Ontario.
Our Path Forward
York University is working closely with community, government and health sector partners as we plan for a new School of Medicine. On March 26, 2024 the provincial government announced its support for further development and planning for a new school. York’s formal collegial governance processes will work to establish the School and Medical Doctor degree program.
Accreditation
All medical schools in Canada must undergo accreditation by the Committee on the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) through a rigorous peer-review process. Schools must adhere to strict educational and training standards, and ensure the necessary resources, infrastructure and support systems are in place to produce graduates who are well-prepared to serve in the Ontario and Canadian health care systems.
Tracking Our Journey
For a full record of progress, view our development timeline. This expanded view details significant milestones, planning activities and partnerships.
York University's Doctor of Medicine program is currently under development. The University has initiated this process by establishing diverse committees that bring together internal and external partners, including faculty; staff; physicians and inter-professional health care practitioners; Black and Indigenous health providers and partners; and members of the community. Together, the committees will help shape the foremost community-based doctor education program in Canada.
Program Development Committees
Members of the community are invited to apply to join a committee. A list of committees, their terms of reference and scheduled meeting dates are listed below. Each committee offers an opportunity for meaningful collaboration, ensuring the perspectives of those who live and work in our communities are central to every stage of planning.
“My foremost priority in King and Vaughan is delivering better health care, closer to home. That is why I have championed this critically important investment for our community that will train more family doctors to serve our growing needs. Our government is proud to fund York University’s medical school in Vaughan that will help ensure residents have access to a family doctor in the heart of our community."
— Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan
“On behalf of the City of Vaughan, I want to thank the Premier and the Government of Ontario for today’s funding announcement for the much-needed York University School of Medicine as part of the Ontario Government’s 2024 Budget. This critical infrastructure will have far-reaching impacts on future students and patients and is foundational to one of our most ambitious projects to date: the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct (VHCP). When built, this new medical school will play a vital role in delivering more family doctors for communities like Vaughan. This is another important step forward on our journey toward becoming a leading destination for health care excellence. We will continue to raise the profile of the VHCP and ensure that Vaughan is recognized for health care innovation."
— Steven Del Duca, mayor, City of Vaughan
“Mackenzie Health is thrilled to partner with York University for the creation of the York University School of Medicine. The provincial government’s commitment in the 2024 Ontario Budget is a very positive step forward and we’re excited for what lies ahead. We see the need for additional primary care providers in Ontario every day; approximately a quarter of the patients who come to our Emergency Departments do not have a family doctor. Now more than ever, we need to work together to consider new ways to attract and retain primary care providers. The York University School of Medicine — located adjacent to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, and minutes away from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital — is well-positioned to address this challenge."
— Altaf Stationwala, Former President and CEO, Mackenzie Health.
“The Regional Municipality of York is home to one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. As our communities grow, the needs of residents continue to change. The establishment of a Faculty of Medicine at York University will connect residents to more integrated health services while supporting economic growth and community health and well-being. Through collaborative partnerships and a shared commitment to advancing post-secondary opportunities, York Regional Council remains committed to connecting residents to high-quality education, and supports modern medical education as an investment in our people, the economy and our future,”
— Wayne Emmerson, Former Chair and CEO, the Regional Municipality of York
“This unique model aligns well with our hospital’s vision of providing care beyond our walls with a commitment to serve the community beyond the boundaries of our physical facilities. We know that a more integrated and preventive model for health care leads to greater health equity for our diverse communities and all of the patients and families we care for,”
— Jo-anne Marr, Former President and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital.
“North York General Hospital is excited to support York University’s vision for a School of Medicine and to expand our partnership to meet our growing community’s health needs. With its commitment to interdisciplinary practice and focus on the social determinants of health, York University is positioned to play an even greater role in promoting healthy communities across the GTA,”
— Karyn Popovich, Former President and CEO, North York General Hospital.
“Southlake is supportive of York University’s plans for a School of Medicine. Educating the next generation of physicians and physician leaders is critically important. As the province’s health care system transforms to focus on integrated care delivered by Ontario Health Teams, York University’s respected approach to interdisciplinary education can help enable the shift in mindset required to support the adoption of a population health management approach in Ontario,”
— Arden Krystal, Former President and CEO, Southlake Health.
