TMU School of Medicine celebrates launch of Black Medical Student Bursary

Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine celebrated a powerful partnership with the launch of the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) Black Medical Student Bursary, a new fund designed to remove financial barriers and expand opportunities for Black students pursuing medical education.

The FFBC bursary (external link)  will provide $10,000 in financial support to recipient first-year Black medical students, along with mentorship and wraparound guidance to ensure learners can not only enter medical school, but thrive throughout their education. The initiative is launching in partnership with the TMU School of Medicine, Dalhousie University and McGill University, aligning with each institution’s shared commitment to advancing equity in healthcare.

The launch celebration (external link) , held on Oct. 9 at the TMU School of Medicine in Brampton, brought together learners, faculty, partners and community leaders. Dr. Trudy McFarlane, Interim Associate Dean, Black Flourishing in Medicine and Health Care, commended the FFBC for their historic investment in Black excellence and representation in medicine.

“We are deeply honoured that the FFBC chose to begin this national initiative right here at Canada’s newest medical school — one that was built from the ground up with equity, inclusion and community partnership at its core,” said Dr. McFarlane. “This award is more than a bursary. It’s a bridge to opportunity, to representation, to belonging. As someone who’s spent over a decade in medicine and education, I’ve seen firsthand how systemic barriers can keep talented Black learners from pursuing this path.”

The Foundation for Black Communities Black Medical Student Bursary is part of a growing movement to close healthcare gaps that disproportionately affect Black communities across the country. Dr. Teresa Chan, Dean of the School of Medicine and Vice-President of Medical Affairs, said TMU’s partnership with the FFBC will help shape a more inclusive future for healthcare in Canada.

“This gift isn’t just about dollars,” said Chan. “It’s about changing the trajectory of lives. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of physicians—the ones who will care for our parents, our children, our neighbours—truly reflect the richness and diversity of this country.”

Thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Foundation for Black Communities and the Orlando Corporation, every donation to the TMU Black Medical Scholarships Fund will be matched, tripling its impact for future generations of learners.