TORONTO – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has launched Canada's newest medical school this week, with an inaugural class of 94 students that reflects the necessary diversity among the country's future medical practitioners. Dr. Dominick Shelton, interim assistant dean and emergency physician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, emphasized the school's intentional location in Brampton, a diverse community that is underserved in terms of medical human resources.
In addition to TMU, the University of Prince Edward Island has welcomed its first medical students as part of a regional campus affiliated with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Future plans also include new medical schools at York University in Toronto and Simon Fraser University in Surrey, B.C. Dr. Shelton hopes these new institutions will alleviate the shortage of primary-care physicians across Canada, noting that TMU is establishing an integrated health centre within the community to enhance practical training.
The story also highlights four students from TMU’s inaugural class, each of whom has overcome significant barriers to pursue a medical career. Zaynashae Boreland, aged 26, shared her childhood experiences after being born with a non-functioning multicystic kidney. Her frequent visits to SickKids Hospital inspired her interest in healthcare, although she initially faced discouragement from a teacher. Ultimately, she pursued an arts degree in psychology before rediscovering her passion for medicine through volunteering. Now a nurse with two years of experience, she aims to open a multidisciplinary family practice clinic in Mississauga, wanting to serve as an inspiration for Black children in her community.
Samah Osman, also 26, recalls her early experiences helping her mother navigate the healthcare system after immigrating to Canada from Sudan. Her personal health struggles, combined with her commitment to addressing healthcare disparities for marginalized communities, have driven her to pursue a career as a physician. She first worked in public health to understand the social determinants affecting health and is now excited to take the next step in her journey to help her community, fulfilling her mother's hope that she would become a doctor.
Vanessa Wilson's journey to medical school began unexpectedly after a severe leg injury at 17, which led to the discovery of a cancerous tumor. Her treatment at McMaster Children's Hospital and the care provided by her orthopedic oncologist inspired her to pursue medicine. Now 24, Wilson hopes to provide accessible healthcare services to patients, drawing from her own experiences in recovery and understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. As the first in her family to attend university, she overcame various financial obstacles and self-doubt to pursue her dream.
Lastly, Adrian Sejdijaj, aged 22, has a background shaped by his parents' immigrant experiences from Brazil and Albania. He became a medic in the Canadian Armed Forces while completing a degree in biomedical science at TMU. Inspired by observing healthcare professionals and the comprehensive approach they take towards patient care, he has faced his own challenges of self-confidence as a first-generation university student. Yet, looking to his cousin’s success as a surgeon in Brazil fueled his determination to continue down this path.
These stories of resilience and commitment highlight the importance of diversity in the medical field and underscore the critical need for healthcare professionals who reflect the communities they serve. As each student embarks on their medical journey, they aim not only to improve healthcare access but also to foster representation for future generations.
