Apply to Join OCFP’s Board of Directors, Upcoming Professional Development, 2025-26 RSV Program Feedback Opportunities, and more
Updated: March 18, 2026
We’ve heard from many of you that you spend hours chasing referrals for specialist appointments and diagnostic tests for your patients. Through our Care When You Need It campaign, the OCFP is advocating with government to accelerate (not rush) the development of a centralized intake and referral system that is interoperable, user-friendly, and properly supported. A more efficient system will help your patients get the answers they need sooner, and free up more of your time for care.
Ahead of the upcoming provincial budget, OCFP CEO Deepy Sur has been meeting with government decision‑makers to advance solutions that streamline your workflows and support a more connected health system. These discussions have been productive, and we remain focused on working collaboratively to deliver meaningful improvements for you and your patients.
One example of this work is the province‑wide expansion of eReferral through the Patients Before Paperwork (PB4P) initiative. In January, Dr. Stephen Pomedli joined Changing the Way We Work to share that when eReferral is embedded in the EMR and supported by clear intake pathways, it can reduce administrative burden, patient uncertainty, and follow‑up work for family physicians. Review Dr. Pomedli’s presentation (33:45) here.
We are also excited to be launching new learning opportunities that support you in your practice. Last week, we introduced Introduction to Children’s Mental Health, a new workshop series focused on building confidence in assessing and managing mental health concerns in children and adolescents. An advanced workshop will follow later this year.
In this message, you’ll find the latest professional development opportunities, practical tools to support your practice including EMR training modules, and upcoming events such as Choosing Wisely Canada’s national meeting.
Help Shape the Future of Family Medicine
The OCFP is accepting Board of Directors nominations until March 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Serving on our Board is an opportunity to help guide the OCFP’s strategic priorities and efforts to support family physicians in their work, advocate for their well-being, and provide health system leadership rooted in primary care. If you are interested in contributing your perspective and leadership to strengthen family medicine, we encourage you to apply.
Dr. Nikolai Whyte: Championing Equitable Care and Advancing Black Family Physician Leadership
Each month, we profile a family physician making an impact in their practice, community, and the health system. For Black History Month, we spoke with Dr. Nikolai Whyte about his leadership in family medicine and his work advancing equitable care and mentorship for Black health professionals across Ontario. Read about Dr. Whyte’s leadership here.
Practising Well Community of Practice | Navigating WSIB for Family Physicians: Improving Patient Access and Your Practice (March 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.). Register here.
Many family physicians find WSIB forms challenging; this session offers clear guidance on when to provide WSIB support, how to complete and bill forms, and how to counsel concerned patients.
Changing the Way We Work Community of Practice | Infectious Disease & Assessment Tools on Conflicting Guidelines (March 27, 2026, 7:55 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.). Register here.
In this session, we will share a brief respiratory update and reflect on lessons learned as we near the end of this year’s winter season. We will also discuss a practical approach to addressing conflicting guidelines in clinical practice.
Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Workshop (March 30, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Register here.
This workshop shares best practices from the 2023 updated clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada and practical tools for screening, diagnosis, and optimizing osteoporosis and fracture prevention care.
This Mainpro+ certified program supports family physicians and residents with chronic illness or disability through small, physician-led groups focused on shared experience, practical strategies, and sustaining clinical and nonclinical roles.
Health Equity Community of Practice | Caring for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (April 30, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Register here.
In this session, panelists will review evidence on health disparities affecting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and introduce Canadian Consensus Guidelines, offering practical approaches to physical and mental health care.
Self-Learning: Access recordings and resources from past community of practice sessions through self-directed learning. Earn Mainpro+ credits anytime by reviewing materials and completing a brief survey. Explore self-learning here.
OntarioMD (OMD) eCoaching Modules: OntarioMD has launched a pilot program to guide family physicians through interactive e-learning modules designed to improve EMR skills and support effective practice and care management. Learn more.
CFPC 2026 Early Career Development Awards (Deadline extended): These awards recognize family physicians who have been in active practice for five years or less and who demonstrate leadership, innovation, initiative, and dedication. Learn more and submit a nomination here by March 31, 2026.
2025–26 RSV Prevention Program Feedback Opportunities: Public Health Ontario (PHO) is seeking input from family physicians on Ontario’s 2025–26 RSV prevention programs for infants, high-risk children, and older adults.
This meeting will explore practical, implementable strategies to reduce overuse of testing and treatments and better understand the impact on patients. Sessions will focus on primary care and include tools to support practice.
