OVERVIEW OF MD PROGRAM AT THE YORK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (YUSOM)

The proposed Doctor of Medicine (MD) curriculum at YUSOM is a three-year, competency-based program designed to prepare clinically competent, socially responsible, and adaptable physicians.
Grounded in experiential, integrated and community-based learning, the curriculum aims to align with national and international best practices, emphasizing the evolving role of physicians in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Learning will be largely case-based and active, with minimal reliance on traditional lectures.
The curriculum is structured into three courses (Generalist Health Care (GHC), Emerging Concepts and Innovations in Health Care (ECIH) and Becoming a Professional (BAP)) across all three years of the program. Year 1 establishes a strong foundation in biomedical, clinical, social, and behavioral sciences while integrating early patient care exposure and community-based experiential learning. Year 2 replaces traditional clerkship with a Longitudinal Integrated Clinical Learning Experience (LICLE), offering both urban and rural streams that immerse students in primary and specialty care while fostering continuity in patient interactions. Year 3 focuses on career development through electives, advanced clinical reasoning, and a capstone experience designed to support the transition to residency.
Throughout all years, students will engage with core themes such as foundational sciences, health services & systems, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous ways of knowing and doing.
Assessment is competency-based. The curriculum includes structured wellness breaks and dedicated self-directed learning time to promote student well-being. With a strong emphasis on primary and generalist care, community health, interprofessional care, and innovations in healthcare delivery, YUSOM’s MD program is designed to graduate physicians equipped to meet the evolving needs of diverse populations in Canada and beyond.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING & CREDENTIALS

• PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as health equity, social determinants of health, education or public health, with experience in building EDI processes in healthcare or professional education preferred.

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of CBME principles and their application in professional identity development.
• Knowledge of medical education, the medical profession and ethical decision-making in healthcare.
• Knowledge and application of Quality Improvement processes
• Expertise in narrative-based assessment, small-group evaluation, and project-based learning.
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, Indigenous health perspectives, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Knowledge of processes to ensure safe, inclusive, equitable learning environments

SKILLS

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to engage faculty, learners, staff and other interested parties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic academic environment.
• Strong organizational skills to oversee curriculum development, assessment frameworks and faculty development initiatives.

JOB PURPOSE

The Theme Lead Health Services & Systems is responsible for developing a strategy to incorporate their theme into the curriculum, including overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous quality improvement of key foundational themes within the MD program curriculum at the York University School of Medicine (YUSOM).
Four themes, Foundational Sciences, Health Services & Systems, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) & Practices, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing & Doing, are woven throughout the three years of the curriculum. For the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) & Practices theme, the learners commit to addressing systemic inequities and their impact on health; delivering culturally competent care; and promoting health equity for diverse patient populations by incorporating intersectionality and fostering inclusivity.
To support course delivery and alignment with the broader MD curriculum and competency-based medical education (CBME) and accreditation standards, the Theme Lead will work collaboratively with course leads, Indigenous Health Lead, Black Health Lead, Disability Health Lead, Interprofessional Lead, assessment and program evaluation leads, case-based learning (CBL) leads, accreditation specialists, faculty development lead and student accommodation services.
The curriculum will be designed to align with the vision of York University and the YUSOM; national and provincial accreditation standards, and the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL THEME LEADS:

• Develop and implement a curriculum map to integrate the theme across all years of the MD program.
• Work with course leads (GHC1,2,3, ECIH, BAP) and other theme leads to ensure vertical, horizontal and spiralled curriculum integration and progression across the program.
• Collaborate with Program leads for Indigenous Health, Black Health, and Disability Health to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles and integrate culturally relevant content throughout the curriculum and learner education processes.
• Collaborate with the Assessment Lead to co-develop integrated assessments across learning modalities.
• Support the development of small-group learning (SGL), project-based learning, large-group learning (LGL) and clinical experiences related to the theme.
• Collaborate with York University, YUSOM and MD Program leaders to support learner accommodation learning plans.
• Liaise with the relevant MD program leads to support remediation processes for learners requiring additional educational support.
• Contribute to the continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes for their theme, utilizing data from assessment and program evaluation to enhance the curriculum.
• Report to the MD Program Curriculum Committee on compliance and areas for improvement in learning within their relevant theme.
• Ensure the learner educational experience is compliant with Program accreditation standards, program outcomes, and best practices in medical education.
• Consult and collaborate with leaders in the YUSOM to ensure delivery of a safe, inclusive, supportive and equitable learning environment for all learners, faculty, contributors and staff in all course learning modules or sessions.

THEME SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Guide the integration of EDI principles across all courses, assessments, and clinical learning experiences.
• Collaborate with faculty and case writers to ensure cases and learning materials are grounded in EDI principles.
• Oversee anti-racism, bias, equity and access training for students and faculty.
• Collaborate with Assessment Leads to ensure fair and equitable student assessment methods.