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Simon Fraser University's new medical school hosts Premier David Eby
British Columbia Premier David Eby toured the new Stephens Family School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Surrey. The school, which is the first to open in Western Canada in nearly 60 years, is currently operating in a temporary learning space.
During the visit, Eby met with the school’s first cohort of 48 medical students, who began orientation in August 2026 and are expected to graduate in 2029. The tour featured demonstrations of advanced medical training technologies, including virtual reality, medical mannequins, and point-of-care ultrasound. A notable feature was Roman, an AI-powered virtual patient designed to help students practice empathy and diagnostic skills in a low-stakes environment.
SFU President Joy Johnson and provincial health officials noted that the school aims to expand medical training in the province with a specific focus on community-based care to strengthen access to primary healthcare.
Entities
David Eby · Joy Johnson · Simon Fraser University · Stephens Family School of Medicine · Surrey
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Stephens Family School of Medicine is the first medical school to open in Western Canada in nearly 60 years. caledoniacourier.com · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · ladysmithchronicle.com · campbellrivermirror.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The school's first cohort consists of 48 students who began orientation in August 2026. caledoniacourier.com · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · ladysmithchronicle.com · campbellrivermirror.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The school uses AI-powered virtual patients named Roman to help students practice medical history and empathy. caledoniacourier.com · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · ladysmithchronicle.com · campbellrivermirror.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The first cohort of medical students is expected to graduate in 2029. caledoniacourier.com · burnslakelakesdistrictnews.com · ladysmithchronicle.com · campbellrivermirror.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · +1 more