Osler and TMU strengthen nursing education through academic practice partnership

New partnership enhances clinical learning opportunities for future nurses

William Osler Health System (Osler) and Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing (DCSN) have launched a transformational academic practice partnership (APP) to help build a skilled, resilient health workforce. This innovative initiative, grounded in practice, education and research, aims to enhance patient care excellence.

Unveiled at Osler’s Brampton Civic Hospital, the APP addresses evolving community health needs and aligns with the academic and research priorities of both institutions. It reflects a shift toward integrated training that combines real-world clinical experience with academic learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge under expert guidance. This approach supports a seamless transition from theory to practice and ensures people-centred clinical excellence from day one.

“Osler’s academic practice partnerships strengthen the bridge between nursing education and clinical frontline practice, ensuring our nurses are empowered and ready to lead the next generation of health care innovation,” said Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice-President of Quality, Research and Chief Nursing Executive, William Osler Health System. “The Osler-TMU nursing APP integrates academic learning with hands-on clinical experience and, by embedding evidence-based practices into everything we do, we are helping to build a strong, confident and capable nursing workforce that is ready to meet the evolving needs of our patients and communities.”

TMU’s DCSN becomes the third academic partner in Osler’s growing APP network. Leaders from both organizations will collaborate to achieve shared goals in nursing education, research, and clinical practice.

“Our dedicated faculty at TMU are committed to creating rewarding experiences that help our students become successful nurses. This includes preparing nurses and urban health scholars to be creative, highly skilled critical thinkers who provide compassionate care and lead innovation in their practice,” said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Toronto Metropolitan University. “The academic practice partnership with Osler will advance the shared mission of our two institutions: being innovative and collaborative with education, research and practice to create better health outcomes for all.”

This partnership supports Osler’s broader vision of integrating evidence-based practices, building research capacity among nurses and strengthening clinical teams.

“The signing of this strategic partnership is the result of our two organizations coming together to bridge the gap between practice and academia, and to provide innovative solutions to nursing educational, practice and research challenges, and to create unique opportunities for collaboration between our teams," said Maher El-Masri, Director, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing.

“The academic practice partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing reflects Osler’s continued commitment to investing in the future of health care,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “As the largest nursing school in the province, TMU’s School of Nursing brings tremendous expertise and scale. Together, we are equipping nursing students with the skills, confidence and clinical experience needed to deliver high-quality care while advancing our shared vision for a more responsive, inclusive and innovative health system.”

This partnership reinforces Osler’s commitment to sustainable clinical education, ensuring that students, staff and communities benefit from high-quality, compassionate care for generations to come.