Brampton physician builds a legacy at TMU School of Medicine

Dr. Jaya Chanchlani has cared for patients in the City of Brampton for 40 years. 

Now, the family physician is expanding her impact on the community that she calls her “home away from home” through a generous gift to support generations of medical students attending the new TMU School of Medicine.

This first new medical school in the GTA in over 100 years opened its door to medical residents in July and MD students in September. Dr. Chanchlani is helping to make this possible in two key ways—by supporting the building project for the School of Medicine, and by increasing access to medical education through funding a scholarship.

Through the Chanchlani Family Foundation, Dr. Chanchlani’s gift to TMU will be recognized through the naming of the Chanchlani Family Student Lounge, designed as a central hub for academic and social gatherings to foster a sense of community among students. And, starting in the Fall of 2025, the Chanchlani Family Award will provide approximately $5,000 every year to a medical student in financial need.

“I’ve delivered so many babies here in Brampton, who are grown and are parents with their own kids now. I feel a connection here. So when I heard the university’s School of Medicine was coming, I was really, really happy. We need new blood,” said Dr. Chanchlani. She’s concerned by the ever-growing number of community members without a family doctor, and the way that will come together with an increase in practicing physicians nearing the age of retirement. “Every day, a patient says to me, ‘I hope you’re not retiring.’ (I’m not—not yet.)” 

In Ontario, 2.5 million people do not have a primary care provider, and 1.74 million have a family doctor over age 65. It is Dr. Chanchlani’s intention that her support of medical education in Brampton will inspire many of these future physicians to continue their practice in the city, meeting the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of the families within the surrounding region. Chanchlani can communicate with her patients in 5 languages.

“The Chanchlani family’s generosity reflects the heart of what we are building here at the TMU School of Medicine—medical education that is deeply rooted in the community it serves,” said Dr. Teresa Chan, TMU School of Medicine dean and vice-president, medical affairs. “The gift that Dr. Chanchlani and her family has given will empower and inspire the next generation of physicians to bring the same dedication and compassion to Brampton’s families that Jaya has shown throughout her remarkable career. It’s only fitting the student lounge be named after the Chanchlani family—a place where future physicians will gather, connect and be inspired.”

Dr. Chanchlani and her family have a history of championing health care and education. Her late husband, Vasu Chanchlani, was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a founding member of the Canada India Foundation. Together, the couple established the Chanchlani Family Foundation, and hoped to have passed on the tradition of generosity and uplifting people and communities to their three children—all of whom have become medical doctors. 

Early in her career, Dr. Chanchlani recalls being on call every day, even going back to work one week after having a baby—and she’s glad that expectations have changed. These days, Dr. Chanchlani balances her time between her medical practice, and her family. Her advice for future TMU medical students is to find the right work-life balance, and learn about the needs of the community. “I love my work. Patients need me, and they need you, too.”