New medical school admissions policy sparks controversy over diversity quotas

In a Saturday column in the Globe and Mail, current affairs columnist Robyn Urback argued that a hard diversity quota for medical-school admissions is “a terrible, counterproductive idea.”While the push for diversity in medical schools is a long-standing goal, she warned that the approach taken by the new medical program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU, formerly Ryerson University), which emphasizes race-based quotas, could undermine confidence in future graduates.TMU’s school of medicine is set to welcome its inaugural cohort of students and residents at its Brampton, Ont. campus in September 2025.Value of a diverse workforceIn her column, Urback began by acknowledging the well-known benefits of a diverse medical workforce. “Studies show that patients tend to feel most comfortable with physicians who look or sound like them, who can communicate in their native languages, and/or who understand their cultural norms or religious practices,” she wrote. Further, she said that there is a structural bias that affects Black, Indigenous and racialized Canadians, who often experience poorer health outcomes due to systemic inequalities.But according to Urback, of the 94 available spots for the 2025 cycle at the new TMU medical school, 75% are expected to be filled by students from “Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving admissions pathways.” In contrast, only 25% of the seats will be filled through general admission. TMU has also opted for more lenient admissions criteria, such as no MCAT requirement and a lower minimum GPA (3.3) compared to other medical schools in Ontario, which require GPAs of 3.5 or higher, she wrote.Perception of TMU graduatesUrback argued that while the goal of increasing diversity is noble, the way TMU has chosen to do so is problematic. “The school’s execution—it’s practically boasting of its lax admission requirements—is clumsy, short-sighted and does a disservice to its own prospective students,” she wrote. Urback worries that the public perception of TMU graduates could be tainted by the idea that they were admitted due to race-based quotas, rather than merit. This could lead to patients questioning the qualifications of doctors who trained at TMU.She also raised concerns about the impact this approach may have on Ontario’s healthcare system. With limited medical school slots available, Urback suggested that lowering admissions standards could result in students who do not ultimately make it through the rigorous process of medical education, leading to wasted time and resources. “There is an enormously high financial burden borne by the province in educating prospective doctors, and each slot occupied by a student who, for whatever reason, doesn’t end up practising represents a colossal waste of time and money,” she explained.Urback concluded that while everyone hopes TMU’s graduates will be of the same calibre as those from other programs, but “the public’s skepticism will invariably undermine their credentials, which is unfair but inevitable when race-based admissions quotas are involved.”TMU: the equity pathways commitment is 'aspirational’Contacted for comment, a representative for the university provided the following statement on behalf of TMU:“TMU’s commitment to admitting a majority of students through equity pathways is aspirational. Our goal is to remove systemic barriers for excellent students who traditionally face challenges in accessing medical education.“It should be noted that TMU is one of seven Canadian medical schools that does not require the MCAT as it has been widely recognized as a barrier to accessing medical education and not an accurate predictor of professional acumen and skill. Further, three of the six existing medical schools in Ontario have a minimum GPA requirement that is lower than TMU’s.“TMU is anticipating over 5,000 applicants for just 94 seats—we are fully confident that our rigorous selection process, which will consider academic excellence, personal and professional attributes, and regional connections—will yield truly outstanding candidates. This will ensure that all admitted students have the academic requirements and skills necessary to succeed in our challenging program.“There are multiple ways to produce a great doctor. We are very confident that the TMU school of medicine will be graduating highly competent and qualified physicians to provide much needed healthcare services to Ontarians.”

New medical school admissions policy sparks controversy over diversity quotas

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