“Patients here get the best of both worlds,” explains Dr. Kushner. “The enthusiasm of a resident, combined with the depth and experience of a seasoned physician, creates life-changing outcomes.”

The Schulich Family Medicine Teaching Unit (Schulich FMTU) is revolutionizing family medicine in North West Toronto, demonstrating how donor support drives life-changing outcomes.

Dr. Arthur Kushner, the first Physician Site Lead of the Schulich FMTU and a long-standing Humber River Health (HRH) physician, reflects on the program’s remarkable growth.

“We launched Schulich FMTU in record time—just two years. Starting with four residents in 2023, we’ve now grown to eleven in 2024. That growth reflects the strength of our team and the urgent need we are addressing.”

Dr. Kunuk Rhee, Chief of the Department of Family & Community Medicine at HRH and current Physician Site Lead, adds, “This program is proof of what’s possible when equity and excellence are prioritized in healthcare.”

The Schulich FMTU serves patients underserved in our local catchment area, including those orphaned by retiring physicians, newcomers to Canada, and individuals relying on emergency departments for basic care.

“We are the only family practice in the area currently accepting new patients,” Dr. Rhee explains. “Our relentless focus on equity prioritizes care for underserved communities, addressing what has long been a healthcare desert.”

“We are the only family practice in the area currently accepting new patients,” Dr. Rhee explains. “Our relentless focus on equity prioritizes care for underserved communities, addressing what has long been a healthcare desert.”

This equity-centered approach is paired with a collaborative teaching model. “Patients here get the best of both worlds,” explains Dr. Kushner. “The enthusiasm of a resident, combined with the depth and experience of a seasoned physician, creates life-changing outcomes.”

The impact is undeniable. In just over a year, the Schulich FMTU has delivered care to over 2,000 patients, addressing critical healthcare disparities.

The program’s ripple effects extend into the broader community, with at least one or two graduates planning to stay in the area. As Dr. Rhee proudly states, “The mantra here is, ‘if you train them, you’ll retain them’—and we’re proving that true.”

Thanks to our generous donors, Humber River Health has assembled what the University of Toronto calls the Schulich FMTU “Dream Team” of medical leaders and educators. These funds sustain innovative training and advanced tools, enhancing both patient care and medical education.

More than just numbers, it’s the voices of patients that truly reflect Schulich FMTU’s impact. At our recent Illuminate: A Diwali Celebration, patients Berta and Daniela shared their heartfelt journey of hope and healing, moving a room of over 600 attendees to tears. “You could hear a pin drop,” recalls Dr. Rhee.

Every contribution brings us closer to a future where equitable healthcare is the norm—not the exception.

Thank you to our donors, for recognizing the value of this program early on and for your unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare. Together, we can build on this incredible momentum and transform even more lives in the years to come.

Help Us Expand Accessible Primary Healthcare

Humber River Health has made significant strides in improving healthcare access, but the journey continues. With your support, we aim to expand our reach and serve even more individuals in need. By 2026, our goal is to provide care to over 9,000 new patients through our dedicated team of residents and physicians. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can help us achieve accessible primary healthcare for everyone in our community. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at cmagisano@hrh.ca.