Shaping confident, capable physicians requires more than just clinical exposure. It needs environments intentionally designed for connection, collaboration and growth. That’s why William Osler Health System's (Osler)Academic Learning Centres are dedicated spaces where medical residents and undergraduate learners come together to study, reflect and build the skills and relationships that will define their careers.
As one of Ontario’s leading community teaching hospitals and primary clinical partner for Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new School of Medicine, Osler recently further strengthened its commitment to learners with the opening of an Academic Learning Centre at Brampton Civic Hospital. A second Academic Learning Centre at Etobicoke General Hospital is scheduled to open later in 2026, further enhancing Osler’s capacity to train the next generation of physicians.
The bright, modern facilities feature classrooms, collaborative learning areas, study spaces, workstations, lounges, call rooms and dedicated offices for education staff, reinforcing Osler’s growing role in training the next generation of health care professionals.
“As our region continues to grow, so too does the need to support high-quality clinical education,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “By creating purpose-built learning environments within our facilities, we’re investing in the people who will deliver care in our communities for years to come, which ultimately leads to best-in-class health care for patients and families.”
Dr. Claire Matlock couldn’t agree more. Joining Osler in 2025 as part of the inaugural cohort of medical residents from TMU, the first-year medical resident in general surgery believes the Academic Learning Centres are already well on their way to becoming crucial hubs for connection and camaraderie among current and future learners from TMU, the University of Toronto and McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.
“We work such busy schedules and long hours that it’s wonderful to have dedicated space at Osler that we can call our own to prepare for clinics, complete dictation, make phone calls, consult off service, sleep over when we’re on call, reflect on challenging cases, and network with other medical learners and staff.”
Informal mentorship among learners is considered a critical aspect of their learning as medical residents and undergraduate learners from different institutions meet, collaborate and share their experiences across different specialties in the hospital. Dr. Matlock looks forward to supporting the first undergraduate students from TMU’s new School of Medicine when they fill placements at the hospital this fall.
“In addition to supporting and mentoring one another, the Academic Learning Centres will offer us a positive space to mentor undergraduate students experiencing hospital placements for the first time and to pass along our own learnings to help support a great experience,” added Dr. Matlock.
Dr. Hemant Shah, Vice President, Academics, William Osler Health System, believes that one of the best aspects of medical training is getting to know your fellow learners, and is excited to know Osler’s medical residents and undergraduate students will have the opportunity to collaborate and spend time together in these new spaces.
“The creation of these Academic Learning Centres truly marks our ongoing evolution as a community teaching hospital,” said Dr. Shah. “At Osler, we’re proud to offer a place where the future health care workforce can build their career, experience a diverse and inclusive environment, and have a positive, meaningful impact on our communities for generations to come.”