The Ontario government is investing $55.8 million to help fund the province’s first medical school focused on training family doctors. The York School of Medicine, located at York University, is expected to open in 2028 with 80 undergraduate seats and 102 postgraduate seats, growing to 240 undergraduate seats and 293 postgraduate seats at full capacity.

“This will be a school where physicians are trained for the health system Ontarians need,” said Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor of York University. “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.”

The investment will fund initial planning such as accreditation, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, establishing a medical library, training costs, and operating costs.

“In building a medical school dedicated to training family 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 Dr. David Peters, dean of the faculty of health and dean of record at York University 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.”

The Ontario government is leading a large expansion of medical education that includes additional seats at all six medical schools across the province, as well as the establishment of the new Toronto Metropolitan University Medical School, which welcomed its inaugural cohort last fall in Brampton.