Family Medicine Matters

The pressures of longitudinal care and a strained health care system can make joy in practice feel out of reach for many family physicians. Dr. Mark Sanders—a family physician in Duncan, British Columbia, with nearly three decades of experience—shares how Indigenous teachings on compassionate leadership helped shape his clinic’s supportive, relationship-centred model. Listen as he explores how act...

For many family physicians, the daily pressure of paperwork and complex care can be overwhelming. Dr. Cian O’Morain—a rural family physician—shares how his Prince Edward Island practice shifted from a physician-centred model to one built on shared team responsibility, supported by physician leadership. Listen as he explores how developing clinical algorithms, open communication, and trust across t...

As Canada’s health care system faces growing strain, Major-General Scott Malcolm—family physician and Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces—shares what civilian family medicine can learn from the military health care system. Listen as he explores leadership in health care teams and preparing for future challenges, and reflects on how trust, collaboration, and resilience can strengthen care...

Across Canada, family medicine continues to navigate digital transformation. Dr. Rashaad Bhyat—family physician and nationally recognized digital health leader and expert—shares how smarter, better-connected systems can reduce administrative burden and strengthen continuity of care. Listen as he explores the promise of interoperability, the practical potential of AI-powered tools, and the policy c...

As the family medicine landscape evolves with new technology, Dr. Élise Boulanger—Quebec family physician and digital health advocate—shares how co-designed technology can better support family doctors, patients, and primary care teams. Listen as she explores the Care for Tech initiative, the risks of digital burden, and the role of family doctors in shaping tools that strengthen, rather than disr...

Across Canada, family medicine is evolving to meet complex challenges. Dr. Jamaica Cass—Mohawk family physician and health leader—shares how Indigenous‑led, relationship‑based care is making a difference for Indigenous health across Canada. Listen as she explores culturally safe, team‑based primary care and the role of family medicine in supporting Indigenous self‑determination, trust, and healing...

As family medicine in Canada faces unprecedented strain, Dr. Johnny Chang—rural family physician and medical leader—shares how Creston, British Columbia, transformed chronic physician shortages into a recruitment success. Listen as he explores flexibility, physician-led leadership, community partnership, and the importance of listening to doctors as keys to building sustainable, high-quality care...

As the Canadian population grows and patient care becomes more complex, Dr. Seyi Akinola—family physician, educator, and advocate—discusses the pivotal role international medical graduates play in strengthening comprehensive primary care. Listen in as she explores the balance between maintaining high standards and improving integration, the power of allyship and community, and her hopes for the fu...

Dr. Sarah Cook sits down with Dr. Emmett Harrison to explore how he’s integrated the Patient’s Medical Home vision into his clinic—from next-level team huddles to allied health professional integration. He shares how this approach improves patient access, streamlines care and reduces administrative burden. Additional Resources: Explore the Patient's Medical Home Discovery Café Express , which incl...

In this special Valentine’s Day episode, Dr. Sarah Cook speaks with Canadian Family Physician Editor Dr. Nick Pimlott about his love of family medicine. Dr. Pimlott reflects on his career and explores why it remains a profession like no other. This podcast series is eligible for non-certified Mainpro+ credits. Participants may also earn additional Certified Assessment credits by completing a ...

What if treating patients meant addressing their social needs too? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Cook speaks with Dr. Gary Bloch about social prescribing. It’s an innovative model that brings community and social supports into health care. They discuss how addressing the social determinants of health can improve patient outcomes while also supporting physicians. You can learn more about the work Dr....

Canada’s health care system is under strain, with many patients unable to access a family doctor. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Cook sits down with Dr. Kerri Treherne, a Calgary-based family physician, to reflect on her work within a non-profit community health centre and explore what intentional team-based care means. It’s more than putting people together. When done well, they can improve access to...

Sixty per cent of British Columbia’s residents are without a family physician. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for bold solutions to improve access to primary care. In this episode, Dr. Tia Pham sits down with CFPC President Dr. Sarah Cook to explore innovative team-based care approaches that improve access to care and enhance patient outcomes. This podcast series is eligible fo...

Dr. Sarah Cook speaks with rural family physician Dr. Sarah Newbery, from Marathon, Ontario, about how team-based care helps meet community needs sustainably. They discuss how doctors working closely together build a strong culture that drives meaningful change, and why family medicine is so important to our health care system. This podcast series is eligible for non-certified Mainpro+ credits. Pa...