Shining the Spotlight on Family Physicians

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - For family doctors, no two days are ever alike.

Whether its easing a toddler through their vaccinations, accessing a patient for referral to a specialist or monitoring a senior's cholesterol, family doctors need to be prepared for whatever questions or concerns their patients have when they walk into their office.

There are more than 12,500 family doctors in Ontario who are working every day to provide the best care to their patients. Today is the start of Family Doctor Week in Canada, which runs until Nov. 15.

"Family Doctor Week provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding, and often innovative, care Ontario's family doctors are providing to their patients each and every day," said Dr. Ved Tandan. "We support family doctors and are committed to ensuring family physicians are able to provide the best possible care to their patients because we know that is what drives your family doctor."

Dr. Judy Maynard and the team at the Brameast Family Health Organization are innovators when it comes to offering their patients the opportunity to receive palliative care in the familiar surroundings of home. While 70 per cent of patients find themselves spending their last days in a hospital or long-term care facility, 80-90 per cent of Dr. Maynard's patients are able to spend them at home surrounded by loved ones.

Whether it is using technology to improve access to care; connecting patients to specialists and community resources; or leading the way on patient-focused palliative care, Ontario's family doctors are innovators.

Ontario's family doctors are working to make health care better. 

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) represents more than 34,000 physicians, residents and medical students across the province. Ontario's doctors work closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention. In addition to delivering front-line services to patients, Ontario's doctors play a significant role in helping shape health care policy, as well as implementing initiatives that strengthen and enhance Ontario's health care system.

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

OMA Media Relations, 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862, [email protected], @OntariosDoctors, www.OntariosDoctors.com