The fourth cohort’s arrival marks a defining moment for the first-in-Canada program. For the first time since its 2023 launch, learners are represented across every year of the four-year undergraduate program, while the inaugural class begins its final year and looks ahead to anticipated graduation in May 2027 and moving on to postgraduate medical training.

“In just three years, this program has grown from an ambitious new model into a vibrant academic community spanning the full medical education journey,” said Dr. Nadia Ismiil, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Research, Education and LHEARN at Lakeridge Health. “Our focus on family medicine reflects our commitment to improving access to primary care so that people can benefit from prevention, earlier detection and earlier intervention. At the same time, we are building an academic environment that supports the growth of specialty and tertiary care in Durham Region. Together, these efforts will help more people get the right care, closer to home.”

Created through a partnership between Queen’s University and Lakeridge Health, the MD Family Medicine Program places family medicine and primary care at the centre of medical education. Students combine classroom learning with early and ongoing experiences in hospitals, family medicine practices and community settings across Durham Region.

That community-based approach gives learners a firsthand understanding of the region’s diverse and rapidly growing population, while reinforcing the relationships, continuity of care and teamwork that are central to comprehensive family medicine. Strengthening access to primary care can also help reduce pressure on hospitals through prevention, earlier detection of disease and earlier interventions that help people stay healthier and, where possible, avoid the need for more complex acute care.