Sick Note for The Annex & U of T Community
The Annex has 50,000+ U of T students competing for the same 3 walk-in clinics. There's a faster way.
Healthcare Access in The Annex
The Annex — bounded by Bloor, Dupont, Bathurst, and Avenue Road — is one of Toronto's most intellectually dense neighbourhoods. Home to University of Toronto's St. George campus, the neighbourhood's healthcare infrastructure serves a dual population: long-term residents (many of whom are aging professors and professionals) and 50,000+ transient students who cycle through annually. Bathurst Bloor Walk-In Clinic (800 Bathurst St) and GSH Medical (481 Bloor St W) bear the brunt of this demand. During flu season and exam periods, waits exceed 2 hours. U of T Health & Wellness has a 1-2 week appointment backlog. For the graduate student who needs documentation for a deferred paper, or the Annex professional who can't afford a half-day in a clinic, the system is broken.
Who We Serve
The Annex is Toronto's academic heartland. Graduate students, post-docs, sessional lecturers, and tenured faculty all live here — alongside a growing population of tech workers drawn to the neighbourhood's intellectual character. For academics, illness documentation isn't just about employment — it's about academic standing, research deadlines, and teaching obligations. U of T's academic petition process requires physician documentation, and the university's own health services can't meet demand. MedLetter bridges this gap with documentation that satisfies both employment and academic requirements.
Ontario Employment Standards & Your Rights
For U of T students: The university's academic petition process accepts documentation from any licensed Ontario physician — you are NOT required to use U of T Health & Wellness. MedLetter notes from CPSO-registered physicians are accepted for course deferrals, late withdrawals, and academic consideration requests. For Annex employees: Ontario's ESA (amended October 2024) prohibits employers from requiring sick notes for the 3 statutory days. For additional sick leave, MedLetter provides compliant documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U of T accept MedLetter sick notes for academic petitions?
Yes. U of T's academic petition process requires documentation from a 'licensed healthcare practitioner.' MedLetter physicians are CPSO-registered and their documentation meets this requirement. You do not need to use U of T Health & Wellness.
How long is the wait at Bathurst Bloor Walk-In?
Typically 60-120 minutes. During flu season (October-March) and exam periods (December, April), waits can exceed 2 hours. MedLetter delivers within 6 hours with zero wait.
I'm a graduate student without OHIP (international) — can I use MedLetter?
Yes. MedLetter does not bill OHIP or UHIP. Our $49 flat fee applies regardless of insurance status. This is often more affordable than international student clinic fees.
Can I get documentation for mental health-related academic absence?
Yes. MedLetter physicians can provide documentation for anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health conditions affecting your ability to attend class or complete academic work. The note will reference your condition appropriately for academic petition purposes.
Get Your Sick Note — $49