The decision marks a significant milestone in the establishment of the School of Medicine, paving the way for its anticipated 2028 opening.

鈥淩eceiving approval from the Quality Council is a key stepping stone in our progress toward launching the School of Medicine,鈥� says David Peters, dean of the and School of Medicine. 鈥淚t allows us to move forward with our unique-in-Canada curriculum, intended to educate primary care physicians and generalist specialists through community-based learning that prioritizes continuity of care, community health, social accountability and interprofessional collaboration.鈥�

The Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) program at 91亚色 is being developed as a three-year degree designed to meet the growing need for community-based primary care. It will prepare the next generation of physicians to understand and address the complex factors influencing health in the regions they serve.

91亚色鈥檚 immersive curriculum intends to train family physicians and generalist specialists in fields including pediatrics, general internal medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology and general surgery. The program is designed to embed students in communities serving diverse populations across North Toronto, 91亚色 Region, South Simcoe and North Simcoe/Muskoka. This immersion aims to enable graduates to establish long-term roots and continue their practice locally.

91亚色鈥檚 curriculum will replace traditional short-term clerkship rotations with longer blocks of primary and generalist specialty placements in communities to support continuity of care for patients. To ensure graduates are equipped to lead modern medical practices, the curriculum integrates foundational sciences with training in health services and systems. With a focus on social responsibility, 91亚色-trained physicians will be prepared to meet the health priorities of diverse communities. Students will actively engage with decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion throughout their studies while learning to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing into their future practice.

The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance oversees quality assurance processes for all levels of programs in Ontario鈥檚 publicly assisted universities. This approval continues ongoing positive momentum as 91亚色 builds relationships with local physicians and continues to collaborate with health care partners within the School of Medicine鈥檚 future service area, who will provide learning environments and clinical placements for future students. These crucial affiliate partners include Mackenzie Health, Oak Valley Health and Southlake Health, working in coordination with their local Ontario Health Teams.

The development of the School of Medicine is supported by a strong foundation of provincial and municipal investment. The project is backed by start-up funding from the Government of Ontario and recently secured a $25-million contribution from 91亚色 Region Council for proposed infrastructure and development, providing foundational supports for the University's progress through the accreditation process. The City of Vaughan has donated land for a proposed building within the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.

To learn more, visit the 91亚色 School of Medicine website.

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The annual awards provide an opportunity to celebrate meaningful contributions across the instutition, including student success, service excellence, community building and commitment to equity and inclusion. 

鈥淎s a leading institution committed to driving positive change through academic excellence, research, innovation and community engagement, 91亚色 depends on the dedication, passion and professionalism of our staff,鈥� says President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淵our contributions 鈥� especially during times of change and uncertainty 鈥� lift us, connect us and help us move forward together. My heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and recipients.鈥� 

The 2024 President's Staff Recognition Awards recipients and nominees 

Deborah Hobson 91亚色 Citizenship Award

Established in honour of former vice-president enrollment and student services Deborah Hobson, this award is given to an individual who emulates Hobson鈥檚 energetic commitment to students and boundless enthusiasm for the 91亚色 community. Nominees for this award embody the University's spirit and use their creativity and imagination in support of the student community at 91亚色. 

Winner: Shandana Khan, administrative assistant, programs and student services, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Anesa J. Albert, associate director, graduate communications & digital engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Claudia V. Bennett, experiential education program coordinator, , Student Welcome and Support Centre
• Vanessa Ironside, program officer, k2i Academy, Lassonde School of Engineering
• Ann Welsh, associate director, International Relations,   

Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) Award

This award, established by Lenton in 2023, recognizes staff who address decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at 91亚色 with passion, dedication and campus engagement. The award can recognize an individual or a team. Recipients are honoured for outstanding achievement in practice, events, policy, programs or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change at 91亚色鈥檚 campuses. Efforts and initiatives reflect an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups (e.g. women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members). The award recognizes ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments at a point in time. 

Winner: Richolette Freckleton, associate director, graduate research, scholarships & awards, Faculty of Graduate Studies 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Harriett Brempong, career education and development specialist, Markham Campus
• Colleen Robinson, administrative coordinator, Anthropology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)
• The Umoja Black Legacy Builders Team
• Said Zazai, senior business intelligence analyst, Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis

Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award

Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Gary Brewer, the award recognizes and encourages early-career professionals who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership. It celebrates a staff member known for innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and has significantly contributed to the University鈥檚 commitment to excellence. 

Winner: Theresa Dinh, institute coordinator, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Bhanu Priya Sharma, student engagement coordinator, LA&PS colleges
• Tanzina Tahereen, associate director, faculty curriculum, Office of the Associate Dean, Programs (LA&PS) 

Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence

Established in honour of former University secretary and general counsel Harriet Lewis, this award recognizes excellence in service and support to students, faculty, staff and/or other service users.   

Winner: (AMPD) Performance Facilities Team听

• Ian Albright, manager  
• Kyle Derry, technician  
• Kimberly Guidolin, events administrator 
• Zach Kale, technician
• Scott Rennick, front of house and box office services coordinator 
• Victor Wolters, coordinator of technical services 

Other nominees for this award: 

• English Department Administrative Staff 
• LA&PS Faculty Research Office  
• Network and Telecommunication Services Team   
• Psychology Department Staff 

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award

This award recognizes excellence in service to 91亚色. Individuals nominated for this award perform at a level that inspires professionalism, creativity and innovation across the University community.   

Winner: Sonia Pettinella, director, Integrated Resource Planning 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Caterina Elzbet, director and senior executive officer, Office of the Vice-President Advancement 
• Helen Lee, director, transition team, School of Medicine, Provost's Office听
• Sasa Nestorovic, director, Bookstore, Printing & Mailing Services 
• Amanda Rodrigues, director, strategic enrolment, LA&PS 
• Natacha Sam, director, budgets and planning, Budgets & Asset Management 
• Ulya Yigit, director of computing, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science 

Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award

Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Phyllis Clark, the award recognizes a 91亚色 employee who has made outstanding contributions to the University in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security or other campus/plant services.   

Winner: Joe Young, supervisor, Community Safety Department 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Miguel Rivero, custodian, Day Shift Custodial, Property Management-Facilities 
• Sandy Simonetta, administrative assistant, Advancement Services and Operations 

Ronald Kent Medal

This award was established in 1979 by President Emeritus H. Ian Macdonald. The award鈥檚 namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University showcased through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm inspired colleagues across the University. He was considered a true ambassador for 91亚色. A dedicated member of Macdonald's staff, Kent passed away suddenly in the late 1970s.   

Winner: Magy Baket, student success and academic advisor, LA&PS (note: photo not available)

Other nominees for this award: 

• Leonard Chow, assistant manager, Operation & Account Management, University Services Centre
• Anderson Coward, communications and marketing specialist, Faculty of Education 
• Celeta Irvin, undergraduate program administrator, Gender, Sexuality & Women鈥檚 Studies, LA&PS

President鈥檚 Voice of 91亚色 Award

The 鈥淰oice of 91亚色鈥� is awarded to a staff member who makes the first contact with a visitor or community member. The quality of responsiveness and the genuine desire to assist in the most difficult or sensitive situations is essential to 91亚色鈥檚 reputation. Nominees for the this award are employed as front-line staff who have regular interactions with the 91亚色 community. This award was established in 1999 by President Emerita Lorna R. Marsden.   

Winner: Louisa Zaffino, executive assistant, Facility Services 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Hazel Beecham, coordinator, Institute for Technoscience and Society
• Jacqueline Selman, undergraduate students coordinator, Social Science, LA&PS 
• Tina Sposato, executive assistant, Vice-President Research & Innovation 
• Neal Stephenson, solutions architect, University Information Technology

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91亚色 has taken an important step forward in advancing its long-standing commitment to health education and community well-being. Both University Senate and the Board of Governors approved establishing the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health at their June meetings. The decision to establish the school follows extensive planning and consultation and marks the culmination of an important phase in the procedural and governance processes.

Housing the School within the Faculty of Health ensures strong interdisciplinary foundations from the outset, notes the returning Dean of the Faculty of Health and Dean of Record for the School of Medicine, David Peters. "We will be building on our existing strengths in collaborative teaching and research and fostering meaningful exchanges across disciplines 鈥� from nursing and psychology to kinesiology, health policy & management and global health."

Opening in Fall 2028, the new School of Medicine will be the first medical school in Canada to focus on community-based primary health care education. 91亚色 will train physicians who are equipped to work in interprofessional teams and to leverage digital health technologies in diverse clinical settings. Graduates will support underserved communities with growing health care needs, including northern Toronto, 91亚色 Region, Simcoe County and surrounding rural areas.

The school will ultimately be located in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct adjacent to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. In the interim, the inaugural cohort will begin their medical education at the University鈥檚 Keele Campus.

"While Keele will be our first home, the community will be our campus,鈥� says Peters. 鈥淭he School of Medicine will apply a person-centred, community-based approach that reflects modern health care realities. Our students will learn in communities, so they are equipped to lead in an ever-changing health care landscape.鈥�

The school's curriculum will emphasize clinical experiences that allow students to follow patients across different care settings while also developing sustained relationships with mentors and communities. Students will gain experience in diverse learning environments preparing them to meet the evolving needs of Ontario's health care system.

President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton remarked on the importance of this milestone. "Establishing a medical school has been a long-standing goal of 91亚色. The focus on family medicine and other primary health care practitioners speaks to our on-going commitment to respond to the needs of the communities we serve," she said. "Along with this vote of assent from Senate and Board to establish the school within the Faculty of Health, provincial, federal and municipal governments and our health care partners continue to lend their strong support for 91亚色's vision of a patient-centred, community-based approach to health care education.鈥�

鈥淚n addition to educating the next generation of primary health care physicians, the 91亚色 School of Medicine will serve as a catalyst for cognate academic programs and expanded research partnerships across Faculties and in collaboration with our partners,鈥� added Lenton. Plans are underway to establish a pan-University Health Education and Research Committee to support collaboration and innovation in health-related fields.

Colleagues in the Faculty of Health will work closely with the School of Medicine鈥檚 program development committees in developing the Doctor of Medicine program. The committees comprised of faculty from various programs, staff, health professionals and community members have been tasked with shaping a program that reflects 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to equity, innovation and community-based medical education. Their insights, along with guidance from faculty council and Senate, will ensure the program aligns with national accreditation standards set by the Committee on the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). This inclusive and rigorous process is a critical step toward building a high-quality medical school that prepares future physicians to meet the evolving needs of Ontario and Canada鈥檚 health care systems.

Learn more about the 91亚色 School of Medicine through , as well as the video below.

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Last fall, Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色, began a discussion with the Board of Governors Executive Committee about her plans for completing her second term as president.

Ensuring the long-term success of the University has always been the most important priority for President Lenton and the Board and has guided her decision. President Lenton has advised the Board that she will be leaving her role, in her ninth year serving as 91亚色鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor, effective Dec. 31, 2025.

While we will have further opportunities to celebrate President Lenton鈥檚 vast accomplishments, on behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire 91亚色 community, we want to extend our sincere thanks for her exceptional service to the University, and we look forward to working together until the end of her term.

The Board of Governors is deeply proud that under her leadership, 91亚色 secured a School of Medicine that will focus on the province鈥檚 critical need for family doctors and primary health-care physicians. President Lenton also facilitated the establishment of a new campus in Markham focusing on technology and entrepreneurship to meet the talent and innovation needs of 91亚色 Region, one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario. These projects reflect her commitment to students and the communities served by 91亚色.

She has continued to drive the evolution of a comprehensive, strategic planning process linking the University Academic Plan 2020-25 with 91亚色鈥檚 operational and budget plans facilitating the advancement of institutional priorities. It is this work that has helped 91亚色 respond to the financial challenges facing the sector and the development of the 91亚色 U Forward Action Plan initiating new ways of thinking to strengthen the University further.

Beyond these impressive achievements, President Lenton has provided thoughtful and visionary leadership centred on the mission, vision and core values of 91亚色, strengthening the international reputation of the University. Never losing sight of the importance of equity, 91亚色 now has a Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy that will continue to expand our commitment to access, creating an inclusive and welcoming university for all.

A strong proponent for the University, President Lenton will continue to stay engaged beyond the end of her term.

At today鈥檚 meeting (June 24), the Board of Governors appointed Lisa Philipps as the interim president and vice-chancellor, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The Board is confident that Professor Philipps鈥� understanding of 91亚色, experience in university leadership and strong skill set will serve the University well throughout the search period for the next president.

The board will commence an international search for the next president and vice-chancellor. Consistent with the principles governing a presidential search, there will be extensive consultation with Senate and the University community.

Paul Tsaparis (MBA 鈥�84) has completed his final term as Chair of the board. Appointed as Chair in 2018, and having served as a member of the board since 2010, he has helped guide the University through many changes, challenges and opportunities. The board thanks Mr. Tsaparis for his service, his leadership and commitment to 91亚色.

Incoming Chair Antonio Di Domenico (B.A. (Hons.) 鈥�02, LL.B. 鈥�05) takes up his new role on July 1, 2025 after serving as a member of the Board of Governors since 2017. Mr. Di Domenico鈥檚 time at 91亚色 began as a political science and law and society undergraduate student before he graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School. He served as an undergraduate student representative on both the 91亚色 Senate and Board of Governors. He was also a member of the Senate Executive Committee, Chair of the Student Senate Caucus and vice-chair of the Student Centre Board of Directors. His volunteer commitments continued throughout his years at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he was Chair of the Student Caucus of Faculty Council. Prior to joining 91亚色鈥檚 Board of Governors, he was a member and vice-chair of the 91亚色 Alumni Board and a director of the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Board.

For more information about 91亚色鈥檚 Board of Governors, please visit the Board of Governors website. 

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On Thursday, Jan. 23 91亚色 Senate voted in favour of the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee鈥檚 (APPRC) recommendation for approval in principle to establish the 91亚色 School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health. 

The vote represents an important procedural step in the planning process and sets in motion the next phase of planning and consultation across the University, and with partners, leading to a proposal to Senate for statutory approval. 

Monique Herbert, Chair of the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee (APPRC) remarks that approval in principle allows the collegium to continue developing its plans collaboratively. "We look forward to further discussions with the School of Medicine Planning Group as it seeks input and further refines its approach,鈥澨齭he adds.听

Chris Ardern, interim dean of the Faculty of Health, noted that by having the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health, physicians will be trained in inter-professional teams right from the beginning. "As we move forward, we are committed to developing a school of medicine that addresses pressing community health needs,鈥� he said.听听

91亚色鈥檚 commitment to establish a School of Medicine gained momentum last spring when the provincial government announced its pledge for funding, starting with a planning grant. Since then the University has intensified its consultation, planning and accreditation processes.  

The Senate vote followed extensive discussions that have been taking place since 2021 in alignment with 91亚色's collegial governance processes. Most recently between October and December 2024, the School of Medicine Planning Group has consulted with each Faculty Council and with 91亚色 Libraries, gathering valuable input that informed the proposal. 

A new FAQ for faculty and staff has been added to the School of Medicine website providing background on the school, the planning process and the funding model, as well as numerous other questions that the planning committee has heard from community members throughout the consultation process. 

David Peters, interim provost and vice president academic and dean of record for the School of Medicine, believes the proposed School of Medicine presents a rare opportunity for 91亚色 to help address the pressing primary care shortage in Ontario. 鈥淏y offering a medical school rooted in the principle of equitable access to health care for all,鈥� says Peters, 鈥渨e will create an innovative, community-based and person-centred program that embodies 91亚色's commitment to transformative learning and impactful academic research.鈥� 

The model is being welcomed by the University鈥檚 municipal, provincial and health care partners who agree it will change how medicine is practiced in communities across Ontario by leveraging digital health solutions and interprofessional primary health-care teams.  

"This vote from Senate reflects the academy鈥檚 support for the fundamental importance of this proposal for the future of health care and health care education," says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice chancellor. "A medical school focussed on primary care has been a long-standing aspiration of the University that will contribute significantly to our vision of providing a broad socio-demographic of students with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive university enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve鈥�.听

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Dear 91亚色 community,

Over the past seven years I have had the honour and privilege of serving as your president, inspired by 91亚色鈥檚 vision to provide a broad sociodemographic of students with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive university that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.

This vision recognizes the transformative power of education and, in our senate-approved academic plan, is underscored by six priorities for positive change. Embedded, also, is a call to action to advance the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which are considered the blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. It acknowledges that global co-operation is essential in support of a healthy and thriving planet.

Despite the challenges that we have experienced over the past year, we have made remarkable strides in advancing the academic plan. We have pursued new opportunities to meet the evolving needs of society in what, how and who we teach, and strengthened our research and creative activities to build a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future for all.

Some of the highlights include:

• $9 million in funding from the government of Ontario to develop a first-of-its-kind School of Medicine in Canada;
• a bold vision to achieve carbon neutrality on our campuses by 2040 or sooner;
• record-level tri-council funding to support groundbreaking research and scholarship in areas such as health, ethical artificial intelligence, the water sustainability crisis and more;
• the full endowment of the Jean Augustine Chair, a position that advances scholarly research, programs and partnerships for Black communities; and
• recognition as one of the top universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Rankings for our impact on the UN SDGs.

Our work has never been more critical. By continuing to work together, and with partners both locally and globally, we are making a difference by ensuring that no talent is left behind, and by generating solutions to complex issues such as poverty and inequalities, pandemics, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, water resiliency and more.

I invite you to read the President鈥檚 Report and hope that it will instil pride in what we have collectively achieved. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and persistence of our community in driving positive change.

Read the 2024 President鈥檚 Report.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor

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Depuis 7 ans, j鈥檃i l鈥檋onneur et le privil猫ge d鈥櫭猼re votre pr茅sidente, constamment inspir茅e par la vision de 91亚色 d鈥檕ffrir 脿 une population 茅tudiante d鈥檜ne grande diversit茅 sociod茅mographique l鈥檃cc猫s 脿 une formation de grande qualit茅 dans une universit茅 ax茅e sur la recherche, qui s鈥檈mploie 脿 am茅liorer le bien-锚tre des communaut茅s qu鈥檈lle sert.

Cette vision reconna卯t le pouvoir transformateur de l鈥櫭ヾucation. Dans notre plan acad茅mique approuv茅 par le S茅nat, elle s鈥檃ppuie sur six grandes priorit茅s pour susciter des changements positifs. Elle int猫gre aussi un appel 脿 l鈥檃ction pour faire progresser les 17 objectifs de d茅veloppement durable (ODD) des Nations Unies, consid茅r茅s comme un plan d茅taill茅 envers la paix et la prosp茅rit茅 pour la plan猫te et ses habitants. Elle envisage la coop茅ration mondiale comme 茅tant essentielle 脿 la sant茅 et la prosp茅rit茅 de la plan猫te.

Malgr茅 les difficult茅s rencontr茅es au cours de l鈥檃nn茅e 茅coul茅e, nous avons accompli des progr猫s remarquables dans la mise en 艙uvre de notre plan acad茅mique. Pour r茅pondre 脿 l鈥櫭﹙olution des besoins de la soci茅t茅, nous avons explor茅 de nouvelles possibilit茅s dans les mati猫res que nous enseignons, dans notre fa莽on de le faire et dans notre public cible. Par ailleurs, nous avons renforc茅 nos activit茅s de recherche et de cr茅ation pour rendre l鈥檃venir plus durable, plus 茅quitable et plus inclusif.

J鈥檃imerais mentionner quelques faits marquants :

• Un financement de 9 M$ du gouvernement de l鈥橭ntario pour mettre en place une 脡cole de m茅decine qui sera la premi猫re en son genre au Canada.
• Une vision audacieuse pour atteindre la neutralit茅 carbone sur nos campus d鈥檌ci 2040 ou avant.
• Un financement record des trois Conseils pour soutenir des travaux de recherche et d鈥櫭﹔udition novateurs dans des domaines comme la sant茅, l鈥檌ntelligence artificielle 茅thique, la crise de la durabilit茅 de l鈥檈au et bien plus.
• L鈥檃ffectation du fonds de dotation int茅gral de la Chaire Jean Augustine, un poste qui fait progresser la recherche scientifique, les programmes et les partenariats pour les communaut茅s noires.
• Le fait d鈥櫭猼re reconnus par Times Higher Education comme 茅tant l鈥檜ne des meilleures universit茅s au monde en mati猫re de contribution aux objectifs de d茅veloppement durable des Nations Unies (ODD).

Notre t芒che n鈥檃 jamais 茅t茅 aussi cruciale. En 艙uvrant ensemble et avec des partenaires locaux et mondiaux, nous faisons changer les choses : nous veillons 脿 ce qu鈥檃ucun talent ne soit laiss茅 pour compte et proposons des solutions 脿 des probl猫mes complexes comme la pauvret茅 et les in茅galit茅s, les pand茅mies, le changement climatique, la r茅sistance aux antimicrobiens, la s茅curit茅 de l鈥檈au, entre autres.

Je vous invite 脿 lire ce rapport et j鈥檈sp猫re qu鈥檌l vous inspirera de la fiert茅 pour nos r茅alisations collectives. Je tiens 脿 remercier notre communaut茅 pour son d茅vouement et sa d茅termination 脿 susciter des changements positifs.

Lire le rapport 2024 de la pr茅sidente.

Sinc猫res salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Pr茅sidente et vice-chanceli猫re

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In this first phase, the University is forming 14 accreditation committees to guide the development of the Doctor of Medicine program. These committees bring together a broad range of experts, including: faculty, staff, physicians and interprofessional health-care practitioners, Black and Indigenous health providers and partners, and members of the community. Interested faculty members are encouraged to lend their expertise by joining a committee; a list of committees, their terms of reference and scheduled meeting dates are available on the School of Medicine website. Committee members' insights will be crucial to helping 91亚色 develop a program that aligns with its vision of a patient-centred, community-based program where the next generation of primary care physicians are trained to leverage鈥痶he most recent digital health technologies and to work collaboratively within interprofessional health-care teams. 

"Accreditation is more than a procedural requirement," says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. "It鈥檚 an essential step in designing a school of medicine that delivers top-tier education and health-care training for the next generation of frontline primary care physicians. Our goal is to build a program that transforms medical education, training students and residents to practise in community-based, interprofessional teams, and ensuring they incorporate a person鈥檚 individual and community context into their understanding of the patient.鈥� 

Working in tandem with the University鈥檚 governance processes, the accreditation committees play a pivotal role in shaping the School of Medicine鈥檚 curriculum, infrastructure and support systems. Comprising a diverse group of internal and external members, the committees will help ensure that 91亚色鈥檚 medical program meets the highest standards, responding directly to the health-care priorities of communities across northern Toronto, 91亚色 Region, Simcoe County, the District of Muskoka and adjacent rural areas. 

91亚色鈥檚 vision for the School of Medicine extends well beyond conventional medical education. That vision emphasizes community-centred health-care training, fostering cross-disciplinary research and tackling health-care disparities. By engaging faculty and staff alongside partners from various sectors, including Black and Indigenous health organizations, the University is developing a program that reflects the diversity and specific health-care needs of the region. 

Committees will develop policy and standards recommendations, keeping the University on track to provide its submission to CACMS by January 2026. At the same time, the University will be adhering to its internal Senate and Board governance processes for establishing new academic units and programs. Academic quality assurance remains a responsibility shared by academic units, Faculty councils and Senate, with the vice-provost academic managing oversight of the University鈥檚 quality assurance protocols and procedures.  

The School of Medicine initiative builds on 91亚色鈥檚 established leadership in health education and research, expanding the University鈥檚 commitment to positive change by addressing the critical health-care needs of Ontarians.  

David Peters, the recently appointed dean of record, is responsible for overseeing the accreditation process. As dean of record, Peters will ensure the University meets CACMS standards and will facilitate the process of accreditation. 

"We are indeed fortunate to have a broad range of academics and health-care experts come together to lend their advice and support for our medical school planning,鈥� says Peters. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to the many people who are giving their time to help us shape this innovative medical program. Their dedication and insights will be invaluable as we develop a program that is forward-thinking and deeply rooted in the needs of community."听

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For those of you who may be arriving at 91亚色 for the first time and those of you who are returning, I wish you all a warm welcome to the start of the 2023 winter term. I hope you had an opportunity to connect with family and friends over the holiday season and feel reinvigorated for an exciting year ahead.

Many of you will have heard me talk about 91亚色鈥檚 vision as a modern and progressive international teaching and research university committed to driving positive change for our local and global communities. This year is already shaping up to be a critical time in our institution鈥檚 history.

On Jan. 1, 91亚色 welcomed its 14th chancellor, . A 91亚色 alumna, Kathleen was the first woman to serve on the board for a major bank in Canada and she remains a strong advocate for diverse representation across organizations and boards. I am excited to see her continue to right the future in her new role, where she will be a valued ambassador for students at 91亚色 and a champion for higher education.

We are also embarking on an important journey that will support the University鈥檚 commitment to the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice. The draft Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (DEDI) 2022-2027 aims to drive transformational change by embedding DEDI principles, practices and actions at an institutional level. The DEDI Strategy, which was created in consultation with a number of groups, including the President鈥檚 Advisory Council on EDI, will strengthen our institution, support more equitable, diverse and inclusive communities, and create a place where everyone feels they belong.

The Markham Campus is progressing well. 91亚色 will mark the completion of the campus structure with a Topping Off ceremony in the weeks ahead as we move closer to our official opening in spring 2024. We are excited to welcome our first cohort of students for select programs this fall 鈥� to be delivered at our state-of-the-art Learning Space in the world-class IBM Canada headquarters until they can be transitioned into the new building.

91亚色 continues to respond to the urgent needs of the future through our partnership with the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. The centre is a significant opportunity for 91亚色 to expand urgently needed health programs including our proposal for a new School of Medicine.  Designed to increase the number of family doctors and other primary care physicians, our unique population health curriculum combines data analytics and digital-health solutions with a team-based and patient-centred care model that will improve health equity for diverse and underserved communities.

These projects and many others continue to advance our University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future. I am excited to continue our work together as we strengthen our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals towards building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world.

Let me also take this opportunity to invite you to join me on Feb. 11 for 91亚色鈥檚 community skating event hosted with the City of Markham. All students, staff, faculty, course instructors, volunteers and partners are invited to attend whether you have skated before or not. More information will be shared with our community over the coming weeks.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and productive 2023.

Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice Chancellor

Bienvenue au trimestre d鈥檋iver 2023

Ch猫re communaut茅 de 91亚色,

Je souhaite une chaleureuse bienvenue 脿 toutes les personnes qui arrivent peut-锚tre 脿 91亚色 pour la premi猫re fois et 脿 toutes celles qui sont de retour pour la rentr茅e du trimestre d鈥檋iver 2023. J鈥檈sp猫re que vous avez eu l鈥檕ccasion de vous retrouver en famille et entre amis pendant la saison des f锚tes et que vous avez recharg茅 vos batteries pour l鈥檃nn茅e 脿 venir.

Beaucoup d鈥檈ntre vous ont d没 m鈥檈ntendre parler de la vision de 91亚色 en tant qu鈥檜niversit茅 internationale d鈥檈nseignement et de recherche moderne et progressiste qui vise 脿 promouvoir des changements positifs pour nos communaut茅s locales et mondiales. Cette ann茅e s鈥檃nnonce d茅j脿 comme un moment crucial de notre histoire.

Le 1^er janvier, l鈥橴niversit茅 91亚色 a accueilli sa 14^e&苍产蝉辫;肠丑补苍肠别濒颈猫谤别&苍产蝉辫;: . Dipl么m茅e de 91亚色, Kathleen a 茅t茅 la premi猫re femme 脿 si茅ger au conseil d鈥檃dministration d鈥檜ne grande banque au Canada et elle d茅fend ardemment la repr茅sentation diversifi茅e dans les organisations et les conseils d鈥檃dministration. Dans son nouveau r么le, elle sera une ambassadrice pr茅cieuse pour la communaut茅 茅tudiante de 91亚色 et une championne de l鈥檈nseignement sup茅rieur et je m鈥檈n r茅jouis.

Nous nous engageons aussi dans un projet important qui appuiera l鈥檈ngagement de l鈥橴niversit茅 envers les valeurs d鈥櫭﹒uit茅, de diversit茅, d鈥檌nclusion et de justice sociale. Notre 茅bauche de strat茅gie de d茅colonisation, d鈥櫭﹒uit茅, de diversit茅 et d鈥檌nclusion (DEDI) 2022-2027 vise 脿 favoriser des changements transformationnels en int茅grant les principes, pratiques et actions DEDI au niveau institutionnel. La strat茅gie DEDI a 茅t茅 cr茅茅e en consultation avec plusieurs groupes, dont le Conseil consultatif de la pr茅sidente sur l鈥橢DI. Elle consolidera l鈥橴niversit茅, favorisera des communaut茅s plus 茅quitables, diverses et inclusives, et cr茅era un espace o霉 chaque personne 茅prouve un sentiment d鈥檃ppartenance.

Le campus Markham progresse bien. Dans les prochaines semaines, 91亚色 marquera l鈥檃ch猫vement de la structure du campus par une c茅r茅monie de cl么ture du chantier, alors que nous nous rapprochons de l鈥檕uverture officielle au printemps 2024. Nous nous r茅jouissons d鈥檃ccueillir la toute premi猫re cohorte 茅tudiante de certains programmes cet automne. Les cours seront donn茅s dans notre espace d鈥檃pprentissage ultramoderne au sein du si猫ge social prestigieux d鈥橧BM Canada jusqu鈥櫭� leur transfert dans le nouveau b芒timent.

91亚色 continue de r茅pondre aux besoins pressants de demain gr芒ce 脿 son partenariat avec l鈥檈space de soins de sant茅 de Vaughan. Il constitue une occasion exceptionnelle de d茅velopper des programmes de sant茅 urgemment attendus, comme notre proposition d鈥檕uvrir une nouvelle 茅cole de m茅decine. Unique en son genre et con莽u pour accro卯tre le nombre de m茅decins de famille et d鈥檃utres m茅decins de soins primaires, notre programme d鈥櫭﹖udes sur la sant茅 de la population associe l鈥檃nalyse des donn茅es et des solutions de sant茅 num茅rique 脿 un mod猫le de soins ax茅 sur l鈥櫭﹒uipe et les malades qui am茅liorera l鈥櫭﹒uit茅 en mati猫re de sant茅 pour les communaut茅s diverses et mal desservies.

Ces projets et bien d鈥檃utres continuent de faire progresser le Plan acad茅mique 2020-2025 de l鈥橴niversit茅 91亚色 : B芒tir un avenir meilleur. J鈥檃i h芒te de poursuivre notre collaboration tandis que nous renfor莽ons notre contribution aux objectifs de d茅veloppement durable des Nations Unies afin de b芒tir un monde inclusif, r茅silient et durable.

J鈥檈n profite aussi pour vous inviter 脿 vous joindre 脿 moi le 11 f茅vrier pour un 茅v茅nement de patinage communautaire de 91亚色 organis茅 avec la Ville de Markham. Tous les membres de la communaut茅 茅tudiante, du personnel, des corps professoral et enseignant, les b茅n茅voles et autres partenaires sont invit茅s 脿 y participer, peu importe leur niveau d鈥檈xp茅rience. Plus de d茅tails seront communiqu茅s 脿 notre communaut茅 dans les prochaines semaines.

Je vous souhaite une ann茅e 2023 heureuse, productive et en bonne sant茅.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Pr茅sidente et vice-chanceli猫re

The post Welcome to the Winter 2023 term appeared first on YFile.

As part of this collaboration, the University is gathering input on its conceptual proposal for the School of Medicine and the broader potential for the University at the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. To date, the University has held three consultation sessions.

• All University faculty and staff were invited to participate in the first session on March 14 (learn more).
• A session for community health organizations was held on March 25.
• A town hall for residents and community members from across the region was held on April 19 ().

During the April 19 virtual town hall, close to 200 residents from 91亚色 Region, as well as Muskoka, North Toronto, Simcoe and other GTA communities, provided input into how a School of Medicine at 91亚色 could help solve current challenges in the health care system.

The University鈥檚 conceptual proposal envisions an educational model centred on improving health equity for diverse communities in the proposed catchment area and underserved communities across Canada. The University envisions a school committed to community-based primary care that will keep more people healthy longer and living in their communities. Programming for the school will be developed through the University鈥檚 formal collegial governance processes with the overarching goals of having curriculum and research support an integrated and preventive model for health care, which aims to promote care beyond the walls of hospital facilities.

The April 19 town hall participants engaged in discussions with 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif and Provost & Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, and voiced broad support for the proposal, which focuses on the education of medical students in community and primary care settings to deliver comprehensive team-based care to patients.

Town hall participants were asked for feedback on the proposal, and for insight into current and future health care matters, including whether they have access to a local family doctor, how the health care system can improve, and why a medical school is essential.

鈥�91亚色 possesses a significant depth and breadth of health-related academic programming and research, which provides a strong foundation for a modern medical school,鈥� said Lenton. 鈥淲e are grateful to the nearly 200 community members who joined us for the town hall for providing us with critical insights into how our proposed School of Medicine can rethink, reform and redesign medical education in ways that will improve the health and health care experiences of individuals in the underserved and growing areas of North Toronto, 91亚色 Region and Simcoe/Muskoka, and drive positive change in the communities we serve.鈥�

The ideas shared will help drive the vision and concept for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct and the School of Medicine. All University and community members who were not able to attend the town halls are invited to provide their feedback.

Together with input from community health organizations and the 91亚色 community, the information collected will be considered in the development of a comprehensive business proposal in consultation with the respective Faculties and collegial governance bodies.

More information and updates on planning can be found on the School of Medicine website.

The post Plans for School of Medicine moving forward with collaborative approach appeared first on YFile.