Growing up, they trod the paths of the health-care system. Now, they find themselves studying at Canada's most recent medical school.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has made history by opening Canada's newest medical school, welcoming 94 students into its first class. Located in Brampton, a diverse community, this school is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape of the country.

One of the students, Vanessa Wilson, was inspired to become a doctor after experiencing cancer treatment at McMaster Children's Hospital. Her orthopedic oncologist's compassionate care left a lasting impression, encouraging her to pursue a career in medicine. Wilson, the first person in her family to attend university, overcame financial barriers to make her dream a reality. During her recovery, she developed a passion for accessibility and hopes to offer her patients accessible services when she becomes a physician.

Another student, Samah Osman, was inspired to become a doctor after helping her family navigate the healthcare system as an immigrant and experiencing her symptoms being dismissed by a doctor. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare, values that Osman hopes to embody as a future physician.

Adrian Sejdijaj, another member of TMU's inaugural class, joined the Canadian Armed Forces and trained to become a medic. His experiences in the military ignited a passion for the holistic approach of healthcare professionals, particularly drawing him to the physician role. Sejdijaj, being the first person in his immediate family to attend university, faced a crisis of confidence about his competitiveness as a medical school applicant.

Zaynashae Boreland, another student in the class, was inspired to become a doctor after receiving excellent care at SickKids Hospital. However, she was discouraged by a high school biology teacher who doubted her ability to succeed in a science-based career. Despite this setback, Boreland persevered and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

The new medical school's opening is part of a larger trend in Canada, with the University of Prince Edward Island welcoming its first medical students as a regional campus of Newfoundland and Labrador's existing program. York University in Toronto and Simon Fraser University in Surrey, B.C., are also set to open new medical schools in the coming years.

Dr. Dominick Shelton, interim assistant dean, hopes these new schools will help solve the shortage of primary-care physicians in Canada. With students like Wilson, Osman, Sejdijaj, and Boreland leading the way, it seems that the future of healthcare in Canada is in good hands.

One student, Samah Osman, was inspired to become a doctor after helping her family navigate the healthcare system as an immigrant and experiencing her symptoms being dismissed by a doctor. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare, values that Osman hopes to embody as a future physician.

Another student, Adrian Sejdijaj, joined the Canadian Armed Forces and trained to become a medic. His experiences in the military ignited a passion for the holistic approach of healthcare professionals, particularly drawing him to the physician role. Sejdijaj, being the first person in his immediate family to attend university, faced a crisis of confidence about his competitiveness as a medical school applicant.

Zaynashae Boreland, another student in the class, was inspired to become a doctor after receiving excellent care at SickKids Hospital but was discouraged by a high school biology teacher. Despite this setback, Boreland persevered and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Sejdijaj was motivated to pursue medical school by a cousin who had become a general surgeon in Brazil. Wilson developed a passion for accessibility after spending a lot of time in a wheelchair during her recovery. Wilson's orthopedic oncologist inspired her to pursue medical school.

The new medical study program was opened in 2025 at the Medical Faculty of Bielefeld University in Germany. TMU's inaugural class includes four students who shared their inspirations and barriers to becoming doctors.

In addition to the new medical schools in Canada, York University in Toronto and Simon Fraser University in Surrey, B.C., will also open new medical schools in the coming years. The University of Prince Edward Island has welcomed its first medical students as a regional campus of Newfoundland and Labrador's existing program.

Growing up, they trod the paths of the health-care system. Now, they find themselves studying at Canada's most recent medical school.