SFU Medical School Welcomes First 48 Students to Address B.C.'s Doctor Shortage

Simon Fraser University's new medical school in Surrey, B.C., has officially welcomed its first class of 48 students, marking a major milestone in the province's efforts to tackle the ongoing shortage of family doctors and primary care providers.

The inaugural group began orientation on Wednesday and will follow an accelerated, year-round medical program that allows students to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in three years instead of the traditional four. The first graduates are expected to begin residency training as early as 2029.

B.C. Premier David Eby described the new school as a long-term investment in the province's health-care system, saying it will help train more doctors locally and improve access to medical care for British Columbians.

For now, students will study in a temporary learning facility while construction continues on the permanent home of the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine in Surrey, which is expected to open by 2030.

The province plans to gradually expand enrolment from the current 48 students to 120 students annually by 2035.

British Columbia has introduced several measures to address the physician shortage, including recruiting doctors from outside the province, expanding the role of nurse practitioners, and allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications. Despite these efforts, hundreds of thousands of B.C. residents still do not have access to a primary care provider.

The provincial government has committed $41.1 million in annual operating funding to support the new medical school.

Health Minister Josie Osborne called the launch a landmark moment for the province's health-care system.