Bayer Canada Supports New School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University (SFU) With Full Tuition Entrance Award for Inaugural Class

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bayer Canada is proud to support the Simon Fraser University (SFU) School of Medicine - the first medical school in Western Canada in nearly 60 years. The new school is dedicated to help improve primary care and the critical shortage of family doctors in British Columbia, where approximately 800,000 residents lack access to a primary care physician.

SFU is set to welcome its inaugural class of 48 students at an interim location on the SFU Surrey campus this summer, with a new, purpose-built facility planned to open in Surrey City Centre by 2030. Before the first inaugural class begins, Bayer Canada is excited to introduce the Bayer Entrance Award, which will cover tuition for one deserving student throughout their three-year program. The recipient will be selected based on excellence shown though leadership and service, in addition to financial need, in reflection of Bayer's commitment to removing financial barriers for aspiring physicians. MD applicants invited to the interview stage will receive instructions on how to apply for this award.

“Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and our partnership with SFU’s School of Medicine is crucial in addressing the urgent need for family doctors in British Columbia,” says Viktoria Friedrich, General Manager, Pharmaceutical Division, Bayer Canada. “By supporting the next generation of medical professionals, especially from underrepresented communities, we are investing in their futures and the health of our communities."

SFU has structured their programming to support training future doctors who will stay to serve their communities, particularly by welcoming students from rural, remote, Indigenous, and underrepresented backgrounds. Students will begin clinical training just one month after starting the program, gaining hands-on experience in community-based offices, clinics, and hospitals across the province.

“Bayer’s generous support through this award allows a talented future physician to focus fully on their training and service to the community. Our School is deeply committed to team‑based community care—values that are essential to addressing persistent care gaps,” shares Dr. Samir Malhotra, Associate Dean, Learners, SFU School of Medicine. “Support such as this strengthens our ability to prepare physicians who are equipped to serve diverse populations and improve access to care where it is needed most.”

This collaboration between Bayer Canada and SFU underscores a shared commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare. Bayer is dedicated to supporting students from STEM programs to medical schools and beyond, ensuring they can give back to their communities.

“I am proud that Bayer Canada’s contribution to SFU’s new medical school will remove a financial barrier for one eligible student,” says Kim Penny, Women's Health Account Specialist. “This entrance award will profoundly impact the life and future of a student, who in turn will have the opportunity to improve the lives of many patients after completing their training.”

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2025, the Group employed around 88,000 people and had sales of 45.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

About Simon Fraser University

SFU is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, SFU has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, SFU fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU has ten faculties that deliver 368 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries. For more information, visit https://www.sfu.ca/.

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