Members of the University community gathered on Monday afternoon for an in-depth conversation about the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct (VHCP) plan and conceptual proposal for a School of Medicine.
More than 200 University faculty and staff members participated in the community consultation held on Monday, March 14 about the VHCP and the conceptual proposal for a School of Medicine.
Hosted by President & Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, Provost & Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps and Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif, the session started with a brief project overview and update on recent activities. This was followed by small group discussions, where participants shared feedback and ideas for the University to consider as it further develops the VHCP plan and York University School of Medicine proposal.
Careful notes were taken so that the general themes and ideas can be shared with the broader University community in the coming weeks.
On March 15, the provincial government announced further investments in medical training in Ontario with multi-year funding. “This new investment reflects good alignment with York’s plans given the tremendous health-care needs in York Region and in Ontario,” said Lenton.
The University’s conceptual proposal for a School of Medicine, as part of plans for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, has been developed with these pressing needs in mind. With that, the University will be hosting further consultations in the coming months to inform its full proposal.
“This important consultation work will help us ensure York’s proposal for a School of Medicine addresses the remaining gaps in North Toronto as one of the 13 high priority neighborhoods in the GTA, and York Region, one of the fastest growing areas in Ontario as well as underserved areas in Simcoe and Muskoka,” said Lenton.
Dates for upcoming community consultations will be posted on the School of Medicine website as they become available. In the meantime, community members are invited to provide feedback on the conceptual proposal until April 15.