New and Emerging

A final message as OCFP President

Updated: September 21, 2026

Dear Colleagues,  

As my term as OCFP President comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it has been to represent family physicians across Ontario over the past two years. 

It has not always been an easy time for family medicine, but I’m incredibly proud of the progress we have made together. We have brought the realities of practice to decision-makers, helped move important policy solutions forward, strengthened the voice of family medicine, and continued to support physicians through education, resources, and opportunities to connect. 

Our 2025–26 Year in Review captures just some of that progress and the work we have advanced together over the past year. 

At last week’s Annual Meeting of Members, I was thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Eric Wong as OCFP President for the 2026-2028 term. Eric has been an exceptional President-Elect, a thoughtful partner, and a strong voice for family physicians. I’m excited to see where he and the new Board take the OCFP next. 

I want to thank my fellow Board members, past and present, for their leadership, support, and commitment to family medicine, and the OCFP staff team for everything they do behind the scenes to move this work forward. 

As a proud Malayalee Christian, I have been moved by the support of my community, which has reinforced for me how much our varied cultural backgrounds enrich the care we provide as a collective. It has been a privilege to bring that perspective to the table, just as so many of you bring your own rich ancestral and community ties to the vital work you do.  

Most of all, thank you to Ontario’s family physicians. It has been an honour to represent you, to learn from you, and to advocate alongside you. Your experiences, ideas, and willingness to speak openly about what is and is not working have helped shape the OCFP’s priorities and advocacy. 

Over the past two years, I’ve seen what is possible when family physicians come together, speak with a strong collective voice, and support one another. That is where our greatest strength lies, and I hope we continue to build on it. 

I hope you will keep making your voice heard. Our 2026 Member Survey is open until September 30, and I’d encourage you to take a few minutes to share your feedback if you have not already. 

Check your email for the survey link. Survey Deadline: September 30, 2026.

I’m very proud of what we have accomplished together, and grateful for the opportunity to have served as your President. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Jobin Varughese, 
Past President, 
Ontario College of Family Physicians