TORONTO, March 15, 2022—The Ontario Medical Association commends the provincial government for steps announced today to increase the number of doctors in the province.
“The new School of Medicine at Ryerson University in Brampton will serve as a vital health-care institution and resource for diverse communities across the region,” said OMA president Dr. Adam Kassam. “Ontario’s doctors have been advocating for an increase in the number of medical student and residency positions for some time. It is also one of the recommendations to fix the gaps in our health-care system in our Prescription for Ontario: Doctors’ 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care.”
The new School of Medicine at Ryerson University and the increase in medical school enrolment at other universities including the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will help to address the shortage of physicians in some parts of Ontario.
Primary care physicians are the bedrock of the health-care system as they help patients stay healthy, prevent and manage disease and are the gateway to access to specialists. Ontarians are also relying on doctors to tackle the pandemic backlog and lengthy wait times.
“The OMA is pleased to see the creation of the Ryerson University School of Medicine,” said OMA CEO Allan O’Dette. “Focused on primary care for diverse communities, this will be the seventh medical school in Ontario. An increase in medical school spots is good for the health-care system and good for the people of Ontario.”
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario’s 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario’s health-care system.
For further information:
Leslie Shepherd
Director, Earned and Social Media
Ontario Medical Association
media@oma.org