Simon Fraser University receives largest-ever donation to a medical school
A philanthropic and entrepreneurial B.C. couple has made one of the largest donations ever to a Canadian medical school.
Aran and Ratana Stephens donated $40 million to Simon Fraser University’s brand new medical school, now titled the Stephens Family School of Medicine.
The donation will support student training, research and innovation, community impact, and critical infrastructure.
It is the first new medical school in Western Canada in nearly 60 years and will welcome its first 48 medical students in August this year, growing to 120 students annually by 2035.
About 700,000 British Columbians lack a family doctor, largely because many licensed physicians choose non-clinical work, part-time hours, or walk-in clinics over traditional family practices, according to BC Healthcare Matters.
The Stephens are co-founders of the food brand Nature’s Path and principals of Que Pasa.
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