Lakeridge Health Introduces Clinical Teaching Unit at Oshawa Hospital

Lakeridge Health has announced the opening of a new Clinical Teaching Unit (CTU) at Oshawa Hospital. According to Lakeridge Health, the CTU will be jointly taught by family physicians and internists, and is intended to expand medical education opportunities in Durham Region, including for medical students enrolled through Queen’s University partnerships.

Lakeridge Health states that this initiative is responding to a shortage of family physicians in Durham Region and aims to increase the capacity for medical training within community hospitals. The CTU will provide medical students, residents, and other clinicians with clinical training as part of an integrated care team that includes nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Beginning in September 2025, Lakeridge Health reports that medical students in the Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program will start four-week clinical rotations at the CTU at Oshawa Hospital during their third year. The organization expects this model of teaching to be adopted in additional hospital sites and units over time. According to Lakeridge Health, more than 80 medical learners are anticipated to be supported annually by this program by 2026, with further growth projected in subsequent years.

According to Lakeridge Health, patients at Oshawa Hospital will encounter medical learners as part of their care teams, working under supervision. The organization also reports that patient and family advisors were involved in developing the CTU model and will continue to have a role in its future development.

Lakeridge Health operates five hospitals and supports multiple regional health programs. The organization’s partnerships with Queen’s University and other education initiatives are described by Lakeridge Health as efforts to address healthcare needs within the region, including the shortage of primary care providers.