Ontario Family Physician Workforce Decline
Ontario Family Physicians Need Systemic Support to Thrive, Advocate Says
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Deepy Sur, PhD, highlights the need for infrastructure changes to alleviate administrative burdens and boost the appeal of family medicine.
to ensure the sustainability and attractiveness of family medicine in Ontario, systemic infrastructure changes are crucial, according to Deepy Sur, PhD. Speaking on behalf of the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP), Sur emphasized the need for solutions that reduce the significant administrative burden currently faced by family physicians (FPs), thereby freeing up valuable time for patient care.
Addressing the Administrative Strain
Sur outlined key components of the much-needed infrastructure. These include the implementation of centralized referral systems, the growth of responsive and interconnected electronic medical records (EMRs), the integration of advanced digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the establishment of enduring operational funding models. These elements, she argued, are essential for creating an habitat where family medicine can thrive.
Collaborative Efforts and Government action
The OCFP is actively collaborating with the Primary Care Action Team to gather and relay feedback from its members. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the solutions developed are comprehensive and meet the diverse needs of FPs across various practice models. Sur noted that the OCFP and its partners have been persistent in advocating for enhanced support for family physicians.
The Ontario government has begun to address these concerns through its Primary Care Action Plan. “But it is important that all fps, regardless of the model they practice in, be supported in the ways that meet their needs,” Sur stated, underscoring the need for equitable support across all practice settings.
Enhancing the Appeal of Family Medicine
A primary goal for the OCFP is to encourage more medical residents to choose family medicine as their preferred specialty. Sur believes that by providing the right support systems and alleviating the current pressures, family medicine can be presented as a rewarding and viable career path for future physicians. “The OCFP wants to see more residents making family medicine their first choice,” Sur added.”Ensuring that the right supports are in place for FPs will help medical students to see family medicine as a rewarding career choice.”
Study Support and Disclosures
The research underpinning these discussions was supported by the Innovations Strengthening primary Health Care Through Research Research program, funded by the Health Systems Research Program of the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC). Additional support came from the International Credential Evaluation Service,funded by an annual grant from the Ontario MOH and MLTC. Premji also received support from the PSI graham Farquharson Early Career knowledge Translation Fellowship and the Junior Clinical Research Chair in Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Premji, Risdon, and Sur declared no relevant financial relationships.
*Marilynn Larkin,MA,is an award-winning medical writer and editor whose work has appeared