The province of Ontario is helping more future family doctors learn and practice locally. “I am pleased to announce that our government is investing $220 million to create a new stream of the Ontario Learn and Stay grant for medical education and applications open today,” announced Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, and Universities. Launched in spring of 2023, the ‘Ontario Learn and Stay Grant’ provides funding for students in priority post-secondary programs in high need areas. “Expanding the number of medical seats is only part of the equation,” said Quinn. “We also need to ensure talented students can access the education and training they need to become the family doctors of tomorrow.” The province said the expanded program could help up to 2 million people become or remain attached to primary care. “Recipients will practice comprehensive family medicine for at least five years anywhere in Ontario,” said Quinn. “That means more doctors who are trained in Ontario will stay in Ontario.” The increased investment will support four cohorts of future family doctors, totalling more than 2000 medical students. “We’ve invested over $182 million to train more than 13,300 future health care workers and today we are building on that success,” said Quinn. Alan Shepard, president of Western University said students across southwestern Ontario will feel the impact of this announcement firsthand. “We take our role in the health and well being of our region and our province very seriously,” said Shepard. “Educating doctors, nurses and other health professionals who build lasting relationships with patients and their communities.” The province said they plan to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor or primary care team by 2029.
