The OMSA Advocacy Portfolio is the political advocacy body of the OMSA. All of the important information pertaining to OMSA Advocacy’s activities is available under the “Advocacy” menu, including our events, priorities, updates, position papers, resources and local initiatives.
Represent medical student perspective on educational, political, and social issues to improve our health and medical education systems and the health of Ontarians.
As future physicians dedicated to the health of Ontarians, we advocate for changes in education, health policy and care delivery that will benefit both Ontario medical students and the people we serve.
As future physicians dedicated to the health of Ontarians, we advocate for changes in education, health policy and care delivery that will benefit both Ontario medical students and the people we serve.
The OMSA Advocacy Values Statement defines the values and principles of the health system that OMSA firmly supports and will strive to uphold. This commitment will be reflected in OMSA press releases, position papers, communications, and initiatives. The OMSA Advocacy Values and Guiding Principles is available here.
The Advocacy Priorities listed here have been identified by the OMSA Council and medical students through the 2021 Ontario Student Political Advocacy Survey. The top three priorities for the future of healthcare in Ontario identified by medical students in the 2021 survey are summarized in the infographic below. OMSA will be advocating on all three fronts over the 2021-2022 year. To learn how, or to get involved, please contact the VP Advocacy at advocacy@omsa.ca.
Legend
P Position Statement or Policy Paper available
O OMSA advocacy work
M Ontario Medical Student advocacy work
Access and Equity
Access to Long Term Care P O
Access to Mental Health Care P O M
Northern and Rural Health M
Indigenous Health M
Reproductive & Sexual Health M
Access to Palliative Care
Medical Assistance in Dying
Environmental Health
Climate Change
Health Coverage
Pharmacare M
Immigrant and Refugee Health Coverage
Universal Dental Care
Assistive Device Coverage
Health System Planning and Financing
Effective Health Human Resource Planning P O M
Ontario Health Care Funding M
Health System Stewardship
Efficient Use of Resources M
Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship M
Medical Student Affairs
Medical Student Mental Health P O M
Medical School Tuition and Clerkship Stipend O M
Minority Representation in the Profession O M
Conscience Rights for Medical Learners
Clerkship Call Schedule and Lieu Days
Residency Cuts O
Public Health
Access to Needle Exchange Sites
Safe Injection Sites M
Opioid Epidemic M
Social Policy
Food Security
Homelessness P M
Youth Poverty
Income Security
Childhood Obesity P
OMSA launched the Online Health Policy Education Initiative (OHPEI) with the goal of providing online educational materials that will increase the overall competency of medical students in the area of Health Policy. On this page, the OHPEI team releases Health Policy materials developed by medical students for medical students.
Reaching Out to Your Local MPP: A guide for how to effectively communicate with your local MPP. Prepared by Colin Adams (UWO). Updated by Charles Yin (UWO).
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP): A module covering OHIP eligibility and the services provided with an emphasis on what medical students need to know as they become practicing physicians. Prepared by Michael Killian (UofT) and Ryan Luther (UofT). Updated by Iuliia Proveriana (Ottawa).
Canadian Health Care Funding: An overview on how health care is funded in Canada and what the money is being used for. Prepared by Muhammad Ali Akbar (UofT).
Governance Structure of Hospitals: A primer on hospital leadership. Prepared by James Ahlin (UWO).
OMA Advocacy Action Centre: The OMA offers resources, political party platforms and toolkits to enable Ontario physicians and medical students to participate in the provincial advocacy efforts undertaken by the OMA.
Ontario’s Doctors: A website developed by OMA to highlight physician leaders, express physicians concerns about the current state of the health-care system and recommend improvements.
Canadian Federation of Medical Students: The CFMS represents Canadian medical students on national healthcare issues through Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee, Health Policy Committee and others. Their website offers position papers and information on the Federal Lobby Day.
Officially founded in May 1974 during the Ontario Medical Association’s AGM, the Student Section of the OMA was started using the acronym “OMSA” (short for Ontario Medical Students Association) in 2004.
Copyright © 2024, Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA).
The views expressed on this website do not in any way represent those of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA).
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