York University School of Medicine receives $55.8 million from Ontario government to support path to accreditation and 2028 launch 

Funding to advance the development of new medical school dedicated to training family medicine and generalist physicians 

The York University School of Medicine is progressing toward accreditation and its planned 2028 opening, backed by an investment of $55.8 million from the Ontario government, announced yesterday by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. 

The $55.8 million provincial investment combines $31 million in start-up funding with initial operating support to cover key milestones – including accreditation, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, establishment of a medical library and operational and training costs for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 

The announcement at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – adjacent to the planned permanent site for the School of Medicine – builds on an initial $9 million investment by the province in 2024. 

“We are deeply grateful for this $55.8 million investment from the Government of Ontario, which serves as a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for the York University School of Medicine,” said Lisa Philipps, York’s interim president and vice-chancellor. “This will be a school where physicians are trained for the health system Ontarians need. Together with our hospital and other health care partners, we are building a community-based model of medical education that will expand access to care across northern Toronto, York Region, Simcoe County, Muskoka and beyond as we move toward accreditation and prepare to welcome our inaugural class in 2028.” 

“Ontario-trained family doctors are the backbone of our health care system, providing compassionate care for our loved ones from everyday checkups to life's greatest challenges,” said Minister Quinn. “This investment will ensure that Ontario has a strong pipeline of family care providers to deliver excellent care for decades to come." 

"Our government is strengthening Ontario's world-class physician workforce through the largest medical education expansion in over a decade," said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Today's $55.8 million investment in planning and operations at the new York School of Medicine brings us a step closer to adding hundreds of new family medicine seats, which will support the primary care needs of our province for generations to come.” 
 
The York University School of Medicine will offer a unique-in-Canada accelerated three-year MD program and postgraduate residency training dedicated to educating family medicine and generalist physicians. Powered by the Integrated Community-Based Learning Network (ICLN), York’s planned MD curriculum replaces traditional short-term clinical rotations with immersive, community-based clinical learning experiences beginning in the second year. Students follow patients over time and work alongside health care teams across primary care, hospitals and community settings to build local roots and address the changing health care needs of Ontarians. Postgraduate learners will train in family medicine and generalist specialties including internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology and general surgery. 

“In building a medical school dedicated to training family medicine and generalist physicians, we aim to transform how doctors are educated, equipping them to adapt to the changing needs of our communities and our health system,” said David Peters, dean of the Faculty of Health and School of Medicine. “Through our unique-in-Canada curriculum, including an accelerated three-year MD program, residency training, and partnerships with local health care providers, we're championing person-centred care that leverages deep community learning experiences to strengthen community health from home to hospital and back.” 

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About York University 

York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. York's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration are built into every program. York’s new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. 

Media Contacts: York University Media Relations and External Communications, media@yorku.ca