Programs and Funding Opportunities
The Innovation Fund was established through the Alternative Funding Plan (AFP) agreement between Academic Physicians, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), and the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH). The fund supports the creation and implementation of innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, with an emphasis on advancing care and sharing new knowledge across Ontario’s healthcare system. $20 million annually is distributed to Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) AFP Governance Organizations, to fund groundbreaking projects.
Our Innovation Fund Sabbatical Program supports physicians who take time to develop new skills and approaches to healthcare delivery that will enhance patient care and strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system. Aligned with the goals of the AHSC AFP Innovation Fund, this program fosters innovation and leadership in healthcare delivery. Every year, $200,000 is allocated to funding innovation sabbaticals, with up to $25,000 per physician available. All SUMO physicians are eligible, and matching support from practice plans is required.
Our Professional Development Program provides funding to support the ongoing non-clinical professional growth of AFP group physicians. With a $50,000 annual budget, the program is open to both Management Committee members and practice plan members, helping them pursue meaningful learning opportunities. We encourage all eligible physicians to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their continued professional development.
The SUMO–UHN Distinguished Physician Investigator Award is a strategic salary support initiative designed to recruit and retain an outstanding mid-career clinician scientist at University Health Network (UHN). This award represents a unique collaboration between Sinai – UHN Academic Medical Organization (SUMO) and UHN’s Canada Leads program, combining resources and vision to strengthen UHN’s leadership in clinical research and innovation. This $500,000 award ($100,000 a year for 5 years) is being funded equally by Canada Leads and SUMO.