Moez and Marissa Kassam's $5-million investment in the TMU School of Medicine will fund scholarships for students from underrepresented communities. (Photo credit: George Pimentel)
Moez and Marissa Kassam, through their Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund, have made a landmark $5-million investment in the future of health care at the TMU School of Medicine.
This transformative contribution takes a strategic investment approach to addressing the urgent need for skilled health-care professionals in the Peel region and reinforces TMU's mission to transform health-care delivery in Ontario.
"We believe that investing in equity generates outsized returns for society," says Moez Kassam, founder of Anson Funds. "By supporting the education of future physicians from underrepresented communities, we are building a more just and equitable health-care system for all Canadians."
Marissa Kassam adds, "True progress comes from empowering individuals and communities. By removing financial barriers to medical education, we are investing in the diverse talent that will shape the future of health care."
The Kassams' investment will fund the Moez & Marissa Kassam Excellence through Equity Scholarships, the first comprehensive scholarship program at the School of Medicine.
These scholarships will cover full tuition for high-performing students facing systemic barriers to medical education, empowering them to focus on their studies and future careers.
A welcoming hub for collaboration and learning
This investment will be recognized through the School of Medicine's central atrium which will be named the Moez & Marissa Kassam Atrium. This inspiring, sunlit space will symbolize transparency and accessibility in health care. It will serve as a dynamic hub where students, faculty and the community can connect, collaborate and create.
"Thank you to the Kassam family for their vision, generosity and commitment," said Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor, TMU. "Their investment champions a new approach to medical education, grounded in excellence, inclusion and innovation and addressing the changing needs for health-care delivery and practice."
"The Kassam family, like TMU, believe in leveling the playing field for excellent students who traditionally face challenges in access to medical education," said Dr. Teresa M. Chan, dean, TMU School of Medicine.
"Moez & Marissa Kassam Excellence through Equity Scholarship program will cover full tuition for students demonstrating academic excellence and from communities underrepresented in the medical profession. We are immensely proud to make this part of our offering, and we are deeply grateful to the Kassam family for making it possible," she said.
Building a healthier future, together
With the recent accreditations of its MD and residency programs, the TMU School of Medicine is set to realize a new approach to medical education with the opening of its Brampton facility in July of 2025.
By dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive learning environment, TMU's School of Medicine will empower the next generation of doctors to innovate, disrupt and drive meaningful change within the health-care system.
The Kassam's transformative commitment to equity and community leadership serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of strategic investment to create a brighter, healthier future for all.
