As a young physician just completing my residency, I’m excited to announce the opening of my family practice here in Madoc, Ontario. In a time when many are hearing about physicians stepping away from practice or retiring early, you might wonder why I’m choosing this path. I’d like to share my perspective and vision with you.

A Passion for Clinic-Based Family Medicine

First and foremost, I’m driven by a deep passion for clinic-based family medicine. I believe in the power of continuous, personalized care that family physicians can provide. We’re uniquely positioned to see the whole picture of a patient’s health, catch issues early, and guide people towards better overall wellness.

A Vision for Efficient, Patient-Centered Care

I have a vision for how family medicine can be practiced more efficiently and effectively in today’s world. This is why you’ll see some modern approaches in my practice, like an online waitlist and a comprehensive website. These tools aren’t just about convenience—they’re about creating a practice that can devote more time and energy to what really matters: patient care.

Facing Challenges Head-On

I won’t sugarcoat it—starting a family practice as a young physician in Canada today comes with significant challenges. The ongoing underfunding of family medicine by the government is a real concern. I’ve already encountered hurdles, such as being denied a rural income supplement due to being located 494 meters
from a municipal line.

These challenges mean I’m having to be creative and resilient. I’m building time into my schedule for alternative income streams to ensure the sustainability of my practice. But I want to be clear: my primary focus remains on providing the best possible care to my patients.

A Commitment to Community Health

Despite these obstacles, I’m committed to making this work. I believe that our community deserves access to high-quality, consistent family medicine. By opening this practice, I’m investing in the health of our community for the long term.

Looking Forward

I’m under no illusions—the path ahead won’t be easy. But I’m here because I believe in the value of family medicine and the difference it can make in people’s lives. I’m excited to meet you, to be part of this community, and to work together towards better health.

As we embark on this journey together, I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. Let’s work together to create a healthcare experience that truly serves our community’s needs.

Learn More About the State of Family Medicine

To gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape of family medicine, I encourage you to explore the following resources:

1. Ontario Medical Association on Primary Care
2. No concern about ‘diminished supply’ of doctors: health ministry
3. “Number of Ontarians without family doctor reaches 2.5 million, college says”
4. “Want more family physicians in Ontario? Pay them better, say physicians.”
5. Article on challenges new physicians face
6. College of Family Physicians of Canada – Crisis in family medicine

These resources provide valuable context to the challenges in family medicine today. They can help you understand why your support and engagement with your family physician is more crucial than ever.

Remember, an informed patient is an empowered patient. Together, we can work towards a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.