A new medical school in Brampton, Ontario, has commenced training a fresh cohort of family physicians to tackle a significant doctor shortage in Canada. The aim of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine is to equip doctors with a deeper understanding of their patients’ backgrounds, including language, culture, and traditional diets, to enhance healthcare delivery without communication barriers.
Gurleen Kaur Chahal, a first-year medical student from Brampton, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to pursue her passion within her hometown. Chahal, aged 25, aims to facilitate easier navigation of the Canadian healthcare system for families like hers, ensuring that their cultural heritage and dignity are respected.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine, as per TMU reports, marks the first new medical school inauguration in the Greater Toronto Area in over a century. Out of 6,400 undergraduate applicants, only 94 were accepted, with a focus on recruiting Canadian students, primarily from Ontario, to encourage them to practice in the local community. Additionally, over 100 medical residents have commenced training at the school.
Brampton, recognized as one of Canada’s most diverse and rapidly growing cities, faces a healthcare resource deficit. The Ontario College of Family Physicians anticipates a rise in the number of individuals without a family doctor in the Peel region, encompassing Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon, to reach 430,000 by the following year.
Dr. Teresa Chan, the school’s dean, highlighted the importance of training medical students and residents in communities where they are likely to practice, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment. Similar success has been witnessed at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, where a majority of graduates have chosen to practice in Northern Ontario since 2009.
The school’s first-year student, Samah Osman, shared her experiences of assisting her family in navigating the healthcare system as Sudanese refugees in London, Ontario. The significance of cultural understanding in healthcare was emphasized, particularly in addressing dietary recommendations that align with patients’ cultural and religious beliefs to avoid potential misunderstandings.
In conclusion, the establishment of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine in Brampton signifies a pivotal step towards fostering culturally sensitive healthcare practices, addressing healthcare disparities, and nurturing a new generation of doctors committed to serving diverse communities.