The Ontario government will keep providing funding to medical students for their education, in return for a commitment to work in Ontario.
The province is putting $220 million into its Learn and Stay program for another year.
“With this new stream, more than 2,000 future doctors or four groups of students in family medicine residency can have their undergraduate medical education costs, including tuition, books, and more, covered retroactively by our government,” says Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
“In exchange, those who receive this funding will practice comprehensive family medicine for at least five years anywhere in Ontario. This means that more doctors trained in Ontario will remain here.”
Quinn adds that expanding the program is a key part of the government’s plan to ensure everyone in the province has access to a primary care provider.
“We understand that becoming a doctor involves years of hard work, sacrifice, and financial commitment,” says Quinn.
“By removing obstacles to this rewarding profession, we’re drawing the best talent into our healthcare system. This allows our medical students to concentrate on their studies while increasing the number of skilled care providers available throughout the province.”
The Dean of NOSM University welcomes this announcement.
Dr. Michael Green states that alleviating financial pressures is an essential investment for future family physicians and the communities they’ll serve.
“At NOSM University, we know where physicians train significantly influences where they ultimately practice,” Green mentions in a release.
“As the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant progresses, it will offer meaningful support to our students while also bolstering the family physician workforce in Northern Ontario by encouraging new graduates to set up comprehensive family medicine practices.
The Ontario Medical Association also backs this investment.
“By eliminating financial barriers for medical students, we can help ensure that more Ontarians receive the care they need,” says OMA President Dr. Rebecca Hicks.
The Learn and Stay Program was first launched in 2023 to assist students studying nursing, paramedics, and medical laboratory technology/science programs.
In 2024, it expanded to include medical students as well.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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