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Local Family Doctors Recognized by Patients for Outstanding Care and Dedication
Life with a family doctor means access to comprehensive care for Ontarians and their loved ones
More than 750 family doctors from across Ontario are being recognized by their patients and the Ontario College of Family Physicians for the outstanding care they provide.
“For so many Ontarians, family physicians are the first call they make when something is not right,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “What we heard from patients from all corners of the province is that family physicians are essential. They are there for patients through all of life’s milestones, providing care when they need it most.”
As part of a campaign to highlight the essential role of family physicians, 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, resulting in family physicians being honoured.
Some patients reported they have had the same family doctor for 20, 30, even 40 years – they feel like they are part of the family. Others shared how family doctors helped them navigate life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer. Many seniors said that they are living happily and healthily thanks to the care of their family doctor. Patients also talked about how their family doctor has helped them maintain mental wellness or supported loved ones through mental health crisis.
Many patients said their family doctor saved their lives.
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.
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Examples of quotes from patients
- “When I had cancer during pregnancy, my family doctor fiercely advocated for immediate care and metaphorically held my hand from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.”– A patient in Toronto.
- “My family doctor helped me through a difficult time when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She gave me support and helped me with the medical decisions that needed to be made until the day my mother passed away.”– A patient in Sault Ste. Marie.
- “Without a doubt, we would not be thriving if it hadn’t been for the care of my family doctor. She helped my daughter get the diagnosis she needed for autism and has been providing accessible care from day one.”– A patient in Ottawa.
- “My family doctor saved my life. Due to his persistence in trying to assist me in finding out what was wrong with me, he discovered I had multiple myeloma.”- A patient in Ottawa.
- “At approximately 10 p.m., after reviewing the results of my bloodwork, my family doctor called me at home and advised me to get to an emergency department as soon as possible. Within hours, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.”- A patient in Toronto
- “There is no one else I would trust more with the health of my children and my family.”- A patient in Woodstock.
- “Our family doctor saved our daughter’s life. It’s emotional just to type that. She suffers from multiple mental health disorders, and he has never given up on her.”- A patient in Kitchener.
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.