Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has marked a historic milestone with the official opening of its School of Medicine in Brampton—the first new medical school in the Greater Toronto Area in more than a century. This momentous launch comes at a pivotal time, as physician shortages and the changing demands of Ontario’s health care system highlight the need for innovative, community-focused approaches to medical education.
In July 2025, the School of Medicine’s Department of Community and Primary Care welcomed its inaugural cohort of resident trainees. This diverse group of physicians, hailing from medical schools across the globe, brings a wealth of experience and perspectives to the program.
Throughout their training—based primarily in Brampton—they will deepen their clinical and communication skills while developing the capacity to deliver compassionate, community-driven care.
TMU President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“The TMU School of Medicine is preparing a new generation of skilled and compassionate physicians who will help meet the pressing healthcare needs of communities across Ontario. Our inaugural class of students exemplifies academic excellence, professional readiness, and a dedication to improving community health. We could not have achieved this remarkable result without the strong support of the Province of Ontario and the City of Brampton, for which we are very grateful.”
TMU’s curriculum is designed to prepare the next generation of doctors to lead in health-system transformation. Academic half-days focus on small-group, active learning sessions grounded in adult learning principles. These include the FMPE modules, which encourage reflection, collaboration, and the integration of evidence-based approaches into real-world clinical practice. The curriculum is fully mapped to accreditation standards, ensuring that learners graduate ready to deliver safe, high-quality, and equitable care across Ontario.
Complementing this academic innovation is the university’s new, purpose-built facility in Brampton—a state-of-the-art medical education hub designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, with Two Row Architect, an Indigenous-owned firm, consulting on the project. The building features advanced simulation labs, collaborative classrooms, and a bright central atrium that fosters teamwork, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Every aspect of the space reflects TMU’s mission to train physicians who will not only excel in their practice but also drive positive change in the health system.
From more than 6,400 applicants, 94 undergraduate medical learners were selected to form the inaugural class—each chosen for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community health. Teresa Chan, Founding Dean of TMU’s School of Medicine and Vice-President, Medical Affairs, spoke to the exceptional nature of this first class:
“Our rigorous selection process, which considers academic excellence, personal and professional attributes, and regional connections, has yielded an outstanding inaugural class of medical school students. Their ambition and belief in a new model of medical education helped make this achievement possible.”
Together with the new resident trainees, these students embody TMU’s vision for a new kind of medical education—one that emphasizes advocacy, cultural humility, and lifelong learning.
As TMU’s School of Medicine opens its doors, it does more than welcome a new generation of learners—it signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Ontario’s health care system, one community at a time.