Expansion of Family Medicine Teaching Unit increases access and enhanced community health care closer to home.
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) to Uxbridge, marking a significant milestone in advancing patient care and medical education in the community.
This partnership between Uxbridge Hospital and University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) will see the residency program commence on July 1, 2025, with the first graduating class anticipated in 2027.
“Oak Valley Health is committed to advancing health care excellence in our communities, and our continued partnership with University of Toronto is a tremendous opportunity to both support our patients and nurture future family physicians,” says Dr. Caroline Geenen, our Chief of Staff. “By bringing the family medicine residency program to Uxbridge, we’re not only helping to address a critical need for family physicians in the community but also enhancing care delivery with the added enthusiasm and dedication young physicians bring.”
This expansion brings four new family medicine residents to the Uxbridge community over the next two years — two in 2025-2026 and two more in 2026-2027. These residents will work closely with family physician preceptors based in Uxbridge and will also rotate through Markham Stouffville Hospital, which currently hosts nine residents per year.
Residents will manage their family medicine clinics in Uxbridge three times per week, averaging 150 patients each. Over two years, this initiative will bring an estimated 600 patients under family medicine care, a welcome relief for a waitlist that currently exceeds 2,000 individuals.
“This hybrid medical education delivery for family medicine trainees is unique for DFCM — right from the get go, first year residents will blend rural comprehensive training with clinical exposure to accrue competency for practicing comprehensive family medicine,” says Dr. Aisha Husain, incoming site director, Uxbridge-Markham FMTU, DFCM.
Uxbridge Hospital is also undergoing a significant redevelopment, which includes plans for a long-term care home and ambulatory care wing. These expanded facilities will provide residents more opportunities to learn and grow while serving Durham Region’s evolving health care needs.
“This new partnership offers the Uxbridge community improved access to family medicine while giving residents an unparalleled learning experience in comprehensive care,” said Dr. Donatus Mutasingwa, our academic chief in Department of Family Medicine. “Many preceptors in Uxbridge are eager to contribute to this teaching opportunity and to inspire residents with their own expertise and commitment to patient care.
“The presence of these additional family medicine residents based in Uxbridge will not only enhance care provided but will offer shared learning among physicians and patients alike.”
The continued partnership between Oak Valley Health and University of Toronto’s DFCM is projected to strengthen health care access in the Uxbridge community and surrounding areas, while equipping future family physicians with comprehensive, diverse training suited to a range of practice settings.
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