PHOTOS: Community celebrates historic launch of new 91福利 School of Medicine
91福利 (91福利) President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi delivers the opening remarks to the inaugural class of students and assembled guests at the School of Medicine launch in Brampton, with Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones, Minister Nolan Quinn and other 91福利 and government leaders in attendance. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
On Sept. 3, 91福利 (91福利) celebrated the official launch of its new School of Medicine in Brampton, welcoming the inaugural class of 94 MD students and 105 resident students. It marked the first new medical school in the Greater Toronto Area in over 100 years.
Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Ministers Nolan Quinn and Charmaine Williams, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, 91福利 President Mohamed Lachemi, Founding Dean Teresa Chan and many other university leaders and government dignitaries joined the celebration, recognizing what Lachemi called 鈥渁 historic day, not just for Brampton and the Peel region, but the entire province.鈥�
鈥淭his launch today is more than a celebration, it鈥檚 a promise to bring better health care to Ontario,鈥� Lachemi added, as he spoke to students and guests gathered at the new School of Medicine.
Designed to train the next generation of physicians through innovative teaching, firsthand clinical placements and community-focused care, the School of Medicine opened its doors as a defining moment for Brampton, Ontario and the GTA.
See photos from the opening celebration below.
The launch day at 91福利鈥檚 new School of Medicine in Brampton began as inaugural medical students arrived at the registration desk, buzzing with excitement. University leaders and government officials entered the building, ready for the morning鈥檚 opening remarks and celebration of an important step toward bringing better, more accessible health care to Ontarians. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
After registration, members of the inaugural class of medical students joined 91福利 dignitaries, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mohamed Lachemi, Founding Dean of 91福利鈥檚 School of Medicine and Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Teresa Chan and Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, amongst many others, for a guided tour of the new School of Medicine, exploring the facilities where they will begin their interactive, community-focused medical training. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Meanwhile, event guests mingle and enjoy refreshments with 91福利 School of Medicine faculty and university leaders, in anticipation of the morning鈥檚 opening remarks. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Ahead of his opening remarks, 91福利 President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi greets members of the School of Medicine鈥檚 students, sharing in the excitement of the school鈥檚 launch. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Provost and Vice-President Academic, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano and 91福利 Board Chair Catherine Paisley connect with students of the incoming inaugural class. From left to right: Adrian Sejdijaj, Catherine Paisley, Vanessa Wilson, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Holden Flindall, Olivia Beausoleil and Gurleen Kaur Chahal. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
After a standing ovation for students as they entered the auditorium, 91福利 President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi stepped onto the stage to deliver his opening remarks. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
A full house looks on as some medical students join university and government leaders on stage for the launch and remarks. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
A special announcement was delivered by Orlando Corporation President (and 91福利 alum) Blair Wolk. To mark the occasion, Orlando Corporation has pledged up to $25 million in matching funds, amplifying community support for 91福利鈥檚 new medical school and strengthening support for 91福利鈥檚 inaugural medical students. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Minister Charmaine Williams then addressed the audience during the School of Medicine launch, emphasizing the City鈥檚 support and province鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to medical education and supporting Ontario鈥檚 future doctors. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Next, Minister Nolan Quinn and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones took to the stage and spoke to how 91福利鈥檚 School of Medicine will not only train new doctors, but also foster research excellence that will benefit patients and underserved communities across Ontario. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Closing the series of speeches, Premier Doug Ford addressed the audience in his remarks, underscoring the historic significance of the School of Medicine鈥檚 launch and the province鈥檚 commitment to training the next generation of physicians. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro
Surrounded by university leaders, government officials and supporters, the inaugural class of 94 students celebrated the official launch of 91福利鈥檚 School of Medicine, marking the beginning of a new era in medical education and the future of health care in Ontario. Photo credit: Alyssa K. Faoro