Patients across Ontario are celebrating family doctors for their exceptional care and dedication, highlighting the importance of strong doctor-patient relationships.
Newmarket: It all started with a simple question for patients in Ontario. They were asked to share how their family doctor went above and beyond. The response was overwhelming.
Now, hundreds of family doctors are being recognized for their outstanding service. This initiative aims to show how vital strong relationships between doctors and patients are.
The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) kicked off this campaign to shine a light on family doctors’ essential roles. Kolleen McCaughan, a patient from Newmarket, shared her story.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago. Thanks to her family doctor, Dr. Earl Schwartz, it was caught early during a routine mammogram. Kolleen believes that without Dr. Schwartz’s diligence, it might have gone unnoticed.
Dr. Schwartz has also helped her with a cochlear implant for her hearing. He’s been a family doctor for her husband’s family for nearly 40 years. Kolleen felt it was important to nominate him for this recognition.
“He goes the extra mile for his patients,” she said. “He listens and validates them.” Dr. Schwartz is among 750 family physicians being honored in this campaign, which started in April 2022.
In a recent news release, the OCFP noted that patients expressed gratitude for their family doctors. They play a crucial role in managing complex illnesses and providing compassionate care.
Local ceremonies have been held across Ontario to celebrate these dedicated doctors. Dr. Jobin Varughese, president of the OCFP, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who go above and beyond.
With 2.5 million Ontarians still without a family doctor, it’s essential to honor those who are making a difference. Family doctors touch many aspects of patients’ lives, from pregnancy to end-of-life care.
However, there’s a growing concern about fewer medical school graduates choosing family medicine. Experts warn that this trend could worsen the shortage of family doctors.
Dr. Varughese believes family doctors need resources to build lasting relationships with patients. This way, they can better understand how health issues affect their patients’ lives.
Kolleen agreed, noting that newer doctors often spend less time with patients. “They see you for 10 minutes, type it up, and move on,” she said.
This issue stems from an overburdened healthcare system. Dr. Varughese suggests embracing a team approach to care, where patients are supported by a group of healthcare professionals.
Family health teams, established in 2005, provide access to various healthcare providers under one roof. This model helps improve patient care and continuity.
Dr. Varughese also advocates for using technology, like AI scribes, to reduce administrative tasks. This would allow doctors to focus more on patient care.
Last year, a pilot program tested AI scribes with over 150 family doctors. Those involved reported spending significantly less time on paperwork.
“We need to ensure every Ontarian has access to a family physician,” Dr. Varughese concluded.
