UTSC’s groundbreaking Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) is projected to become operational in September 2025. This modern medical school, valued at $130 million, will cater to the fast-growing and underserved community in the Eastern Greater Toronto Area. With a floor area of 143,500 square feet, it will offer various facilities such as clinical psychology clinics, pharmacy clinics, a main-floor amphitheatre, an anatomy lab, clinical skills labs, and case-based learning instructional labs.
The SAMIH project was brought to life in less than nine months, thanks to a collective vision shared by the stakeholders. The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)’s master plan and the City of Toronto’s long-term strategy, including the proposed Eglinton East Light Rail Transit, influenced the development. The most remarkable aspect of SAMIH is its integration with the community. The building serves not only as a medical school but also as a vital node for public transportation and pedestrian connection, fostering a sense of community between students, faculty, and the surrounding neighborhood.
Scarborough, which accounts for a significant part of Toronto’s population, is expecting a substantial population increase due to immigration. However, the area faces a scarcity of healthcare professionals. The SAMIH project aims to address this issue by training doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists, with an estimated annual intake of 300 healthcare professionals. The goal is to encourage these individuals to remain in Scarborough, contributing to the local economy and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Partnering with prominent medical institutions such as the Scarborough Health Network, Michael Garron Hospital, Lakeridge Health, and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, SAMIH envisions itself as a healthcare hub. It will also prioritize environmental sustainability by utilizing solar cladding panels that generate natural energy. These panels will produce up to 20 percent of the building’s electricity, reducing its environmental impact.
This state-of-the-art medical school is not just a place of learning but a symbol of hope for the community. By addressing the pressing healthcare needs in an underserved area and fostering connectivity and sustainability, SAMIH is poised to make a significant impact on the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) be operational?
The SAMIH is expected to welcome its first cohort of undergraduate students in September 2025.
2. What facilities will be available at SAMIH?
SAMIH will include clinical psychology clinics, pharmacy clinics, a main-floor amphitheatre, an anatomy lab, clinical skills labs, and case-based learning instructional labs.
3. How will SAMIH address the healthcare needs of the community?
SAMIH aims to train an estimated 300 doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists annually to ensure an adequate supply of healthcare professionals in the underserved community.
4. Will SAMIH contribute to environmental sustainability?
Yes, SAMIH has incorporated solar cladding panels that generate natural energy. These panels will provide up to 20 percent of the building’s electricity, reducing its environmental impact.
5. What medical institutions will SAMIH partner with?
SAMIH plans to collaborate with the Scarborough Health Network, Michael Garron Hospital, Lakeridge Health, and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
6. What role does SAMIH play in the community?
Beyond being a place of education, SAMIH serves as a prominent node for public transportation and pedestrian connection, fostering a sense of community between students, faculty, and the surrounding neighborhood.