THE new Simon Fraser University (SFU) Stephens Family School of Medicine in Surrey has welcomed its first cohort of future doctors.
“Like many places, B.C. is facing a shortage of doctors. But our plan is making a difference – connecting thousands of people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner every week and helping B.C. lead the country in doctors per person,” said Premier David Eby on Wednesday. “The long-term solution is to train more doctors here at home. The students starting at the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine today will care for families through some of life’s happiest and hardest moments. We need to keep building on the progress we’re making to ensure care is there for you when and where you need it.”
On Wednesday, August 5, the cohort of 48 medical students have their first day of orientation in the school of medicine’s interim learning space.
The new students will complete a curriculum designed to advance primary care and train doctors to provide team-based, person-centred care to serve diverse communities throughout B.C.
The three-year program will deliver a comprehensive medical education through a year-round curriculum, including summer studies. Students will graduate one year quicker than many other medical schools so they can deliver care sooner.
Students will graduate with a doctor of medicine degree, and start their residencies as early as 2029. While the focus of the curriculum is community and primary care, students will be well equipped to pursue residencies across the full range of specializations.
“We’re taking action to train more doctors right here at home, so British Columbians can get the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “I want to congratulate the inaugural class of medical students as they begin their journey to becoming doctors. SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine, and the students committed to receiving their medical education and serving the community, will strengthen the entire health-care system, improving access to primary care throughout B.C.”
While 48 medical students make up the inaugural 2026 class, the student cohorts will increase in phases, reaching a steady state of 120 students a year by 2035.
To date, government has also committed $41.1 million in ongoing annual operational funding.
This school of medicine is part of B.C.’s plan to hire, recruit and train more family doctors and deliver community and primary care to people throughout B.C. quicker. The school is one of many generational investments that government is working to deliver to support communities throughout the province for years to come.
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, said: “It’s exciting to see the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine officially open its doors and welcome its first cohort of 48 students. This is a significant moment for health care in British Columbia and the start of a new chapter – training more doctors here at home, strengthening primary care, and building the knowledge and capacity that will serve communities across the province for generations to come.”
Garry Begg, parliamentary secretary for Surrey infrastructure, said: “Surrey is proud to welcome B.C.’s newest medical school and the next generation of doctors. This investment will strengthen Surrey as a growing centre for health care and education, while helping train more doctors to serve people and families across our province, creating lasting benefits for communities throughout B.C.”
Joy Johnson, president, Simon Fraser University, said: “Every first day of school is exciting, but this one especially so. Teams across the university have been working toward this moment for years, in collaboration with the provincial government, health authorities and Indigenous communities. The SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine has been thoughtfully designed from the ground up to advance primary care – the foundation of health care – in service of people and communities across British Columbia. I could not be more proud or more excited about the impact these incredible students will have on our health-care system and in our province.”
Dr. David Price, dean, faculty of medicine, Simon Fraser University, said: “Welcoming our first students is a moment of tremendous pride and excitement for everyone at the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine. This inaugural cohort will help shape a new approach to medical education focused on community-based care, equitable access and the diverse health needs of people across British Columbia. I am deeply grateful to our remarkable faculty and staff, whose dedication, care and commitment have made this day possible. We look forward to the difference the students will make.”
