TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026��–��This year’s third annual Vaughan Community Health Lecture – Digital Health: How Technology Is Transforming Health Care – will discuss what the role of digital health is and how it can support the health needs of the community, while showcasing health-innovation research from wearable monitors to how AI-powered social robots can help older adults live more independently. Top of Form

The lecture, hosted by 91��ɫ in collaboration with the City of Vaughan and Mackenzie Health, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall, Vaughan Room, First Floor, ().

The free event will connect the community with health-care experts, share insights on virtual care, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring, including how digital tools can safely and effectively support personal well-being and future health-care solutions.

It will feature interactive exhibits, a digital health innovation zone and an expert panel discussion exploring how technology transforms health-care access, patient experiences and management.

As 91��ɫ works toward the launch of its new School of Medicine (pending accreditation), discussions like these highlight 91��ɫ’s commitment to modern, technology-enabled community health care.

Opening Remarks, confirmed speakers:  

• Lisa Philipps, Interim President & Vice-Chancellor, 91��ɫ  
• Purvi Desai, Vice President Digital Health & CIO, Mackenzie Health   
• Michael Genova, Deputy City Manager, City of Vaughan 

Digital Health Panel:

Emcee and Panel Moderator Dr. Mira Backo-Shannon, Vice Dean, Integrated Community-based Learning Network and Health Systems, 91��ɫ School of Medicine

• Vijay Mago, Chair & Associate Professor, School of Health Policy and Management, 91��ɫ  
• Sam Fielding, Chief Information Officer, Southlake Health    

• Dr. Aviv Gladman, Critical Care Physician and Chief Medical Information Officer, Mackenzie Health   
• Dr. Nour Khatib, Emergency Physician and Chief Medical Information Officer, Oak Valley Health   

The event is open to everyone, including community members, health professionals, students, alumni and wellness advocates.  

To register for this free event: 

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91��ɫ 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. 91��ɫ's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’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. 91��ɫ’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 (subject to accreditation). 91��ɫ was recently named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 14th consecutive year. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contacts:

91��ɫ Media Relations, media@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ posted strong results in global rankings in this year’s Times High Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject, competing against almost 1,500 universities across 11 subjects worldwide. 91��ɫ’s Osgoode Hall Law School’s held firmly with a 65th in the world spot, while rankings for programs in Medical & Health and Engineering & Technology subjects, a sign of the University’s growing momentum in these areas, also increased.

91��ɫ’s strength in Medical & Health subjects is bolstered with a new School of Medicine set to open in 2028. The medical school is being designed to strengthen community health through unique curriculum and physician training and will help meet Ontario’s urgent healthcare needs.

"Our upward trajectory in global standings reflects 91��ɫ’s growing expertise in health and medicine. By strengthening our research environment and innovative academic programming, we are building a robust foundation for our new School of Medicine within 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Health, where our researchers and learners are equipped to advance health equity for the diverse communities we serve," says School of Medicine Dean David Peters, Faculty of Health.

In addition, Psychology was ranked in the top 150 worldwide and in the top 10 nationally, along with Business & Economics and Law. Psychology and Engineering & Technology rose across all five pillars – teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.

“This ranking reflects the strength of Osgoode’s academic community and the impact of the teaching, research, and scholarship taking place at the law school,” says Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School Trevor Farrow. “It’s encouraging to see that work recognized globally.”

The subject ranking results follow on a year of positive results, including the , where the University scored 15 subject areas in the top 10 and is ranked sixth in Canada and second in Ontario for the Arts and Humanities, and in the top 100 worldwide for English language and literature. The University also went up three spots from seventh to fourth in the country for Geography, while 91��ɫ ranked eighth in Canada and fourth in Ontario for Social Sciences and Management. The University also moved up 29 spots globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings results, 91��ɫ earned a top 40 spot demonstrating continued leadership in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  And in the , 91��ɫ placed in the top five as one of the best comprehensive universities in Canada, a spot it’s held for several consecutive years. It also ranked fourth for reputation, third for student scholarships and bursaries, and fourth for social sciences and humanities grants.

For more than a decade, 91��ɫ has been named as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and for the second consecutive year it also made the list for Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.

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TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2025 — 91��ɫ welcomes 91��ɫ Region’s decision to make a significant contribution of $25 million to support the new School of Medicine set to open to students in 2028.��

The $25 million commitment will help fund the physical infrastructure and development of the School of Medicine, which will be built in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, alongside the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. 

 “On behalf of 91��ɫ, I want to express my deepest gratitude to 91��ɫ Regional Council members and Chairman Jolliffe for this extraordinary investment in the future of health care,” said Rhonda Lenton president & vice-chancellor, 91��ɫ. “Your commitment of up to $25‑million for 91��ɫ’s new School of Medicine in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct will help us train the next generation of primary care physicians where they are needed most. This partnership reflects our shared vision to improve health outcomes, strengthen community well‑being, and build a resilient regional economy. Together, we are creating a model of integrated education and care that will serve 91��ɫ Region and Ontario for generations to come.”  

 This significant milestone represents ongoing positive momentum as the University ramps up work to engage local physicians, collaborate with health care and tech sector partners in the medical school’s future service area such as Mackenzie Health, Oak Valley Health, Southlake Health, and the (OCI).   

 “91��ɫ Region is proud to support this important investment in training future physicians right here in our own community. By contributing $25 million to 91��ɫ’s new School of Medicine, we are helping ensure that families across our communities have better access to the care they need, closer to home. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of residents and building a future where everyone in 91��ɫ Region can thrive,” said Eric Jolliffe, 91��ɫ Region Chairman and CEO.  

 91��ɫ Region’s contribution builds on existing commitments from the Government of Ontario to fund the startup costs associated with establishing the medical school. The land for the new building has been generously donated by the City of Vaughan.    Together, these commitments strengthen momentum for the medical school, which is a much-needed part of the Ontario government’s expansion of medical education designed to address local physician shortages, enhance access to primary care, and support a long-term, sustainable health-care system.   

About the 91��ɫ School of Medicine

The 91��ɫ School of Medicine will be explicitly structured around a community-based primary care model, emphasizing inter-professional collaboration, equity, and patient-centred practice. Its location within the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct — next to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital — will facilitate strong connections between clinical training, research, and community health services.

About 91��ɫ

91��ɫ 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 success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration are built into every program. 91��ɫ’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.

Media Contact: Yanni Dagonas, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-468-7850 yannidag@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council sign an agreement towards advancing equitable health care as a foundation of the new School of Medicine

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 – In a spirit of fostering healing and reconciliation, 91��ɫ and the (IPHCC) signed a relationship agreement today at Keele Campus as a first step toward developing joint initiatives and advancing Indigenous health priorities.

The agreement represents a path toward a fair and equitable, mutually beneficial, reciprocal, and culturally safe relationship that seeks to right the negative impact of colonial processes on Indigenous peoples' health and well-being and create space for Indigenous voices in governance and decision-making without prejudice or oppression.

“It is a privilege to be signing this agreement on behalf of 91��ɫ reflecting the commitments we have made in our Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to advance calls for action toward truth and reconciliation,” says Rhonda Lenton, 91��ɫ president and vice-chancellor. “Together in collaboration with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, we will continue to strengthen our relationship and improve Indigenous health services and outcomes.”

In the context of truth-telling about the history of Indigenous peoples, the IPHCC and 91��ɫ will develop joint initiatives that benefit from the process of two-eyed seeing – integrating the strengths of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing for the welfare of all.

“Today marks an important step in reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices lead the conversation when it comes to Indigenous health. By formalizing this relationship with 91��ɫ, we are creating a pathway for collaboration that respects and honours the knowledge and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This agreement is an acknowledgement to the strength of two-eyed seeing which blends Indigenous and Western knowledge to improve the health outcomes of our communities. We look forward to working together to advance Indigenous health priorities for today and for the generations to come,” says Caroline Lidstone-Jones, IPHCC, chief executive officer and 91��ɫ alumna.

The focus of IPHCC’s and 91��ɫ’s work together will be to advance Indigenous health priorities, engage with Indigenous research, while respecting the right of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples for data sovereignty. It builds on 91��ɫ’s growing strength in health and medical education, as well as health research, especially in light of the University’s future new School of Medicine.

91��ɫ’s School of Medicine will respond to student interests and community needs for high-quality health care, while enhancing access and student diversity in health fields. It leverages the University’s ongoing leadership in advancing cross-disciplinary health programming and research.

“This agreement is an important milestone that signals the beginning of a journey to advance Indigenous health priorities through a reciprocal relationship between IPHCC and 91��ɫ, and also marks the first formal steps we are taking in the preparations for the new School of Medicine,” says David Peters, dean, Faculty of Health.

One of the goals of the new School of Medicine is to ensure a patient-centred, community-based approach to improving equitable access to high quality health care in northern Toronto, 91��ɫ Region, Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka, as well as adjacent rural areas. This agreement bolsters the school’s ability to foster equitable health care by preparing the next generation of primary care physicians to work collaboratively within inter-professional health-care teams at diverse learning sites.

Today’s agreement is an example of 91��ɫ collaborating with communities to ensure equal access to health care.

Joint initiatives between 91��ɫ and the IPHCC may include:

● Input by the IPHCC on 91��ɫ’s medical education curricula with a focus on ensuring traditional knowledge is acknowledged.

● Possibility of 91��ɫ student and postgraduate placements to Indigenous primary health care organizations.

● Collaborations where students can engage in cultural events and activities that are in Indigenous communities and/or are hosted by Indigenous organizations.  

● Identify opportunities to collectively advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action through provincial initiatives, including opportunities for joint work on community driven research

Together, 91��ɫ and the IPHCC strive to make positive change that will not only make health care better for Indigenous lives now but those of future generations.

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TORONTO, May 20, 2021 – Today, 91��ɫ and GTA health sector and local government leaders are signalling positive momentum and growing support for a new School of Medicine at 91��ɫ that will focus on training family and community doctors in an integrated setting.

Medical and health curriculum and research will support this integrated and preventive model for health care, which aims to promote care beyond the walls of hospital facilities. The model is expected to create greater health equity for diverse communities in the GTA and underserved communities across Canada, including the more than one million Ontarians who do not have access to primary care.

Long known for its interdisciplinary approach to research, teaching, and learning, 91��ɫ possesses significant depth and breadth of academic programming and research, providing a solid foundation for a modern medical school. 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Health includes one of Canada’s largest Nursing and Nurse Practitioner programs, as well as outstanding 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.

The University is home to centres of research excellence in antimicrobial resistance, disease modelling, data visualization, advanced robotics, global health, healthy aging, and muscle health, among others. 91��ɫ’s Centre for Vision Research is world-renowned and has an expansive network of global health partners. IP Osgoode provides thought leadership on the ownership, use and governance of data, including personal health data.

91��ɫ’s many strengths in basic and applied health research are fuelling successful innovation, commercialization, and collaborative community-centred partnerships. 91��ɫ recently launched an innovative health collaboration with Mackenzie Health that aims to enhance health services, research and innovation, and health outcomes for 91��ɫ Region residents through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In 2019, the University further strengthened ties with the City of Vaughan to collaborate on its Healthcare Centre Precinct, which allows for a 91��ɫ campus focused on training the future health workforce in 91��ɫ Region.

QUOTES:

“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. New medical schools can help to take the lead in making some of the structural changes that are necessary in the system. 91��ɫ has long been a leader in health education and research, and we look forward to working with partners across the region to build on this strong foundation as we create a new model for health care that will better serve the current and future public health needs of the GTA and the country. We appreciate the support of esteemed health and local government leaders as we embark on the next phase of our plans to establish a School of Medicine, and remain committed to providing modern medical education that creates healthier and more equitable communities and drives positive change both locally and globally,” Rhonda L. Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, 91��ɫ.

“The City of Vaughan is pleased to support 91��ɫ in advancing a new School of Medicine. Through our continued partnerships, we remain focused on enhancing healthcare services, research and innovation to support the healthcare needs of citizens in Vaughan and beyond. As Mayor, I am committed to supporting higher learning and education.�� I believe that collectively, we must undertake city-building with a vision that focuses on improving access to healthcare and education for everyone. By working together and implementing shared goals, we will continue to do better. Now more than ever, providing accessible, front-line care is required to ensure our communities’ health, well-being and greater health equity for all.�� 91��ɫ’s strength and breadth of academic programs and research make it well-positioned to establish a School of Medicine. This project is in perfect alignment with our existing collaborative efforts, including the Vaughan Health Centre Precinct, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada that will identify transformational opportunities to maximize the best use of lands surrounding the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. As we look to the future, I remain strongly committed to working with 91��ɫ to support our longstanding shared mission and vision” Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan.

“The Regional Municipality of 91��ɫ 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 91��ɫ 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, 91��ɫ 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, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of 91��ɫ

“Southlake is supportive of 91��ɫ’s plans for a School of Medicine. Educating the next generation of physicians and physician leaders is critically important. As the province’s healthcare system transforms to focus on integrated care delivered by Ontario Health Teams, 91��ɫ’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, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre.

“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 healthcare leads to greater health equity for our diverse communities and all of the patients and families we care for,” Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital.

“North 91��ɫ General Hospital is excited to support 91��ɫ’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, 91��ɫ is positioned to play an even greater role in promoting healthy communities across the GTA,” Karyn Popovich, President and CEO, North 91��ɫ General Hospital.

“Mackenzie Health is proud to partner with 91��ɫ to advance the delivery of health care in 91��ɫ Region by supporting plans for a new School of Medicine in the GTA. A new medical school, coupled with our shared commitment and ongoing collaboration with 91��ɫ to further health research, programming, education and more, will allow us to build capacity together to improve the health and well-being of our communities for generations to come,” Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health.

"Toronto is known around the world for its strong healthcare and medical sector. To have 91��ɫ – an institution in our city – be home to our next medical school makes sense and will ensure Toronto continues to expand its healthcare sector and the innovation that comes with it.�� By attracting more students, researchers, teachers and leaders in the healthcare industry, we can continue to bring forward new ideas and breakthroughs that can help save lives and provide residents the top-notch care they deserve. I am in full support of bringing a medical school to 91��ɫ – it is entirely good news for our residents and for our city,” John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.

About 91��ɫ:

91��ɫ 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 success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

��

Media Contacts:
Barbara Joy, 91��ɫ, 416-333-3374

barbjoy@yorku.ca

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