York University's Senate has voted in favour of approving in principle creating a School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health, a preliminary motion that sets the stage for further consultation and planning.
On Thursday, Jan. 23 York University Senate voted in favour of the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee's (APPRC) recommendation for approval in principle to establish the York University 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."
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," he adds.
York's 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 York'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 York University 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 York to help address the pressing primary care shortage in Ontario. "By offering a medical school rooted in the principle of equitable access to health care for all," says Peters, "we will create an innovative, community-based and person-centred program that embodies York University's commitment to transformative learning and impactful academic research."
The model is being welcomed by the University's 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's 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".
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
