An exciting new chapter for Temerty Medicine's Physician Assistant Program

This fall marks an exciting new chapter for Temerty Medicine’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program — one that builds on 15 years of growth, innovation and teamwork. 

Since its launch in 2010, our PA Program has played a vital role in preparing highly skilled health professionals who work alongside physicians, nurses and other team members to improve access to care. The 24-month second-entry Bachelor of Science Physician Assistant (BScPA) degree — delivered through the Consortium of PA Education — combines on-campus and virtual learning with immersive clinical experiences, preparing learners for diverse practice settings.   

PAs work with a single supervising physician and on health-care teams, helping to expand reach and care, particularly in primary care, emergency departments and surgical settings. Trained as highly skilled generalists, they work to deliver care across specialities and allow clinics to serve more patients while maintaining high quality care.  

PAs are often on the front lines of patient care, assessing and managing cases and developing care plans that keep patients moving safely and efficiently through the system. In rural and northern communities, they are the steady hands ensuring continuity of care where it’s needed most.  

At Temerty Medicine, PA education is undergoing a transformation — expanding in size, scope and ambition. In October, after many successful years within the department of family & community medicine, the PA Program has moved into the portfolio of programs within medical education at Temerty Medicine, in preparation for a move to the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH). 

In recent years, we have expanded the program significantly — growing from 28 learners in 2022 to 56 in 2024. This spring, we’ll celebrate the graduation of our first enlarged cohort, marking an important milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, we are laying the groundwork for a master’s-level PA Program. Anticipated to launch in 2027, it’s an exciting step that will further strengthen PA education and the future of team-based care. 

With expansion comes the need for more space and stronger professional connections with related health-care programs. As part of the faculty’s broader vision for SAMIH, the PA Program will soon relocate to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough (UTSC) campus. Beginning in 2026, PA learners will train alongside colleagues in medicine, nursing and pharmacy, supported by our partners at UTSC, the Scarborough Health Network and Michael Garron Hospital, and bring much-needed care to the eastern GTA. Through our ongoing partnership with NOSM University, learners will also continue to complete rotations in northern and rural communities across Ontario — a model that benefits both learners and the communities they serve. The department of family & community medicine will continue to be a key partner in the program. 

Earlier this year, the profession reached another important milestone when Ontario PAs joined their peers across Canada in becoming formally regulated.  PAs are now members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. This achievement strengthens the profession, reinforces interprofessional collaboration and ensures patients receive care is held to the highest standards. 

These changes speak to our shared commitment to collaborative health-professional education, team-based care and equitable access to health care for the people and communities across Ontario. 

This transformation has been made possible through the dedication of many, from program leadership, faculty and staff to our hospital and community partners. Thank you for your commitment and vision. Your work ensures that our PA learners are ready to meet the health system’s evolving needs with skill, compassion and collaboration. 


Lisa Robinson, MD, FRCPC
 
Dean, Temerty Faculty of Medicine 
Vice Provost, Relations with Health-Care Institutions