Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare will partner with York University\u2019s new School of Medicine as part of a provincial effort to train more family physicians and improve access to primary care across Muskoka and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n
The Ontario government announced a $55.8-million investment to support the planning and operations of the new medical school, which is expected to open in 2028. The school will be the first in Ontario focused specifically on training family doctors.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuskoka Algonquin Healthcare is excited to partner with York University\u2019s School of Medicine to help strengthen the future of family medicine in Muskoka and surrounding regions,\u201d said Cheryl Harrison, president and CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. \u201cWe are grateful to York University and the Province of Ontario for their commitment to training the next generation of family physicians and improving access to care close to home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provincial funding will support accreditation, curriculum development, faculty recruitment, the creation of a medical library and training and operating costs for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.<\/p>\n
When it opens, the York School of Medicine will offer 80 undergraduate seats and 102 postgraduate positions. At full capacity, those numbers are expected to grow to 240 undergraduate seats and 293 postgraduate seats.<\/p>\n
\u201cOntario-trained family doctors are the backbone of our health-care system,\u201d said Nolan Quinn, Ontario\u2019s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. \u201cThis investment will ensure that Ontario has a strong pipeline of family care providers to deliver excellent care for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the funding is part of the province\u2019s largest medical education expansion in more than a decade.<\/p>\n
According to the province, York University\u2019s community-based model of medical education will help expand access to health care across northern Toronto, York Region, Simcoe County, Muskoka and neighbouring communities.<\/p>\n
The $55.8-million investment builds on an initial $9 million provided by the province in 2024 to begin planning and designing the new medical school, which is expected to welcome its first class of students in 2028.<\/p>\n
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