SFU Receives Historic $40 Million Gift to Launch New Surrey Medical School and Train Future Doctors Across BC

Historic $40 Million Investment Transforms Medical Education in British Columbia

 

 

Simon Fraser University has received a record-setting $40 million donation from renowned Canadian entrepreneurs and philanthropists Arran and Ratana Stephens, marking the largest gift in SFU’s history and one of the most significant contributions ever made to a Canadian medical school.

In recognition of this extraordinary commitment, the new medical school will be named the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine.

The landmark donation will help fund cutting-edge medical research, physician training, health-care innovation, student education, community-focused programs, and critical infrastructure as the school prepares to welcome its inaugural class of 48 students in August 2026.

Best known as pioneers in the organic food industry through Nature’s Path and Que Pasa, Arran and Ratana Stephens have dedicated their lives to improving community well-being, sustainability, and social responsibility. Their largest philanthropic gift to date reflects a deep commitment to advancing health care and supporting future generations of medical professionals.

As Western Canada’s first entirely new medical school in nearly 60 years, the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine will play a vital role in addressing physician shortages and strengthening primary health care across British Columbia. The program is designed to train future doctors who will serve urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities throughout the province.

Located in the heart of Surrey, the state-of-the-art medical school is expected to become a leading centre for health innovation, medical research, and physician education. Student enrollment will gradually expand from 48 students in 2026 to 120 students annually by 2035, helping meet the growing demand for family doctors and primary-care providers across B.C.

This transformational investment represents more than a donation—it is a commitment to healthier communities, stronger health-care systems, and a brighter future for British Columbia.

#SFU #StephensFamilySchoolOfMedicine #SurreyBC #MedicalSchool #Healthcare #MedicalEducation #FutureDoctors #MedicalResearch #HealthInnovation #BritishColumbia #FamilyDoctors #PrimaryCare #SurreyHealth #HigherEducation