SFU medical school welcomes inaugural class in Surrey

Forty-eight students began orientation this month at Simon Fraser University’s Stephens Family School of Medicine in Surrey, opening what the university describes as B.C.’s first new medical school in nearly 60 years.

The inaugural class is studying in interim space at SFU’s Surrey campus while a permanent facility is built. That facility is expected to be completed in 2030.

The school’s three-year, year-round program is intended to move graduates into the health-care system a year sooner than through a traditional medical program. Students will continue studying through the summer, and the first cohort is expected to begin residencies as early as 2029.

B.C. Labour Minister and New Westminster-Coquitlam MLA Jennifer Whiteside said the school is part of the province’s response to a shortage of doctors and rising demand for health services. Surrey infrastructure parliamentary secretary Garry Begg said training physicians in the province can help prepare them to serve local communities.

SFU says annual enrolment is expected to reach 120 students by 2035. President Joy Johnson said the curriculum will emphasize community and primary care, team-based treatment, person-centred care, research and partnerships with communities and Indigenous groups. More information is available at sfu.ca/medicine.html.