York University is moving forward with plans to build a new medical school that it says will create greater health equity for diverse and underserved communities.
The school will focus on training family and community doctors using an integrated and preventive model that will promote care beyond the walls of hospitals, the university reports.
“As we contemplate the public health demands of today and tomorrow, we know that innovative community collaborations, modern medical education and integrated health services will be vitally important,” says York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “New medical schools can help to take the lead in making some of the structural changes that are necessary in the system.”
“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,” says Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital. “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.”
York’s Faculty of Health includes one of Canada’s largest nursing and nurse practitioner programs, as well as bachelor and graduate degrees in psychology, kinesiology and health sciences, global health, health studies, health policy and management, health informatics, critical disability studies and neuroscience. It’s also home to centres of research excellence in antimicrobial resistance, disease modelling, data visualization, advanced robotics, global health, healthy aging and muscle health.
“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,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson.
The university says it will submit a formal proposal to establish the School of Medicine to the provincial government later this year.
