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Family Doctors in Dufferin–Caledon Recognized for Outstanding Care and Dedication
Life with a family doctor means access to comprehensive care for Ontarians and their loved ones
Nine local family doctors are being recognized by patients and the Ontario College of Family Physicians for the outstanding care they provide and dedication to the community.
“What we heard from patients in all corners of the province, including in Dufferin–Caledon, is that family physicians are there for patients, providing care when they need it most,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “We are thankful for the dedication and care that family physicians show to patients in their communities.”
As part of a campaign to highlight the essential role of family doctors, the Ontario College of Family Physicians asked Ontarians a simple question: ‘Tell us how your family doctor has gone above and beyond for you.’ The response was overwhelming and heartfelt, with more than 750 family doctors being recognized across Ontario.
Among those being recognized is Dr. Jamie Van der Ham, of Dufferin Area Family Health Team, who was nominated by four different patients – among the most of any family doctor in the province. Dr. Van der Ham was recognized for the outstanding care he provides to an elderly patient who has a challenging cardiovascular condition.
Dr. Van der Ham’s patient shared: “my husband has an ICD [implantable cardioverter defibrillator] and Dr. Van der Ham is on top of all of his appointments and procedures, and at our age that gives us a real feeling of confidence and security.”
Another patient says, “he is concerned about my health, and I feel so well looked after.” And one more noted, “my family doctor always follows up with me after any visit. He truly cares about my well-being.”
Dr. Carol Mills, also of Dufferin Area Family Health Team, was recognized by a patient who said, “our family doctor serves my husband and myself, and our two children and grandchildren – a true family doctor. She is supportive of all of us in our various age brackets, including diagnosing special issues and finding specialists.”
The Ontario College of Family Physicians also heard from Ontarians who do not have a family doctor – and want one. There are 2.5 million Ontarians without access to a family doctor.
“Family physicians are the foundation of our health care system, and every Ontarian should have access to one,” said Deepy Sur, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “We can get there by ensuring family physicians have the right supports in the right place to allow them to continue to provide patient care.”
The Ontario College of Family Physicians is calling on government and healthcare leaders to continue taking steps to prioritize patient care by increasing access to family doctors. By reducing unnecessary red tape and ensuring family doctors have the right supports to stay focused on patients, Ontario can retain the family doctors we have now, and recruit for the future.
About the Ontario College of Family Physicians
The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) represents more than 18,000 family physicians and medical students, including residents, retired family physicians, and more than 15,000 who are working in communities providing care to patients. Our members care for Ontarians across the health system from comprehensive community practices to hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care clinics, to palliative care and more. The OCFP supports its members by providing evidence-based education and professional development, promoting and recognizing leadership excellence in family medicine, and advocating for the vital role family physicians play in delivering the highest quality care to patients and families across Ontario.