What are the duties of a family physician in Canada?

 How should we choose it?

If you are new to Canada or are coming to Canada in the near future, you should know a number of things about the Canadian health care system. One of these is the "family doctor."

A large part of the funding of the Canadian health system should be provided through taxes collected from the people. Hence, access to government health services in Canada is free for citizens and those who are permanent residents.

In the following, we explain who a family doctor is and how to choose a family doctor.

🔻Who is a family doctor?

Many Canadians see their family doctor when they are sick or for routine checkups and vaccinations. Your family doctor, who is a general practitioner , will carefully examine you and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

🔻How to find a family doctor in Canada?

In general, there are several ways to find a family doctor. Some of these ways are as follows:

– Asking friends, colleagues, relatives or acquaintances
 – Contacting immigrant services organisations
 – Contacting the  community health centre where you live
 – Checking provincial sites to find a family doctor (Ontario Provincial website at www.ontario.ca) – Using the Lumino Health  website to find a family doctor, dentist and optometrist near you (www. luminohealth.sunlife.ca)

Once you have found a doctor, you should make an appointment. If the doctor's appointment is full, the waiting time for a visit may take anywhere from a few days to several months. If you have an emergency, you can go to  walk-in clinics. These clinics will see you without an appointment.

🔻Before choosing a family doctor, pay attention to the following points:

– Waiting time for new patients
– Hours and days that suit you and your family –
 Whether the doctor is male or female (whichever you are most comfortable with)
 – Languages the doctor can speak

🔻Vaccination Program

Note that your vaccination schedule is carried out as directed by your family doctor. After your first visit and review of your medical history, your doctor will prescribe the vaccines that are necessary for you and your family.

All children who go to school must receive the required vaccines based on their age and have a vaccine card. These vaccines are free of charge and are administered according to the vaccination schedule of each province.

Finally, the child's vaccination records are recorded in the system and used in times of emergency.

Therefore, do not delay in choosing a family doctor at all and choose your doctor early.