Ford government prioritizing medical education for Ontarians

The provincial government will add more medical school spots to give Ontario students more opportunities.

The government says $33 million will be added over the next three years for 100 more undergraduate medical school spots and 154 postgraduate medical training spots, especially for Ontarians.

“Too many Ontario students are having to go abroad for medical school because they can’t find residency spots here in their home province while international students study here then leave,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re training the next generation of Ontario doctors right here in Ontario to stay here and care for the Ontario community.”

The expansion is part of Ontario’s YourHealth plan. It adds onto an expansion announced last year, which was the largest expansion of Ontario’s medical school system in over a decade.

Universities that train the minds of young doctors are looking forward to the addition.

“We are thrilled that the provincial government is expanding Western University’s undergraduate medical education program,” said Alan Shepard, president and vice-chancellor of Western University.

The seats will bring the total number to 1,212 undergraduate spots and 1,637 postgraduate spots by 2028.