Finding a family doctor in Canada: mission impossible?

Healthcare
Écrit par EC

Just moved to Canada? Are you looking for a family doctor? Well, you should know that it is rare for a medical professional to accept new patients! But there are options, so don't panic! Follow this guide to streamline your search and maximize your chances of success.

Why is it so hard to find a family doctor in Canada?

Finding a family doctor in Canada can be difficult due to a chronic shortage of health professionals. Each province runs its own health care system, with sometimes (very) long waiting lists.

Before we go any further, a linguistic clarification is needed:

  • In French, we say a « médecin de famille » or « médecin généraliste ».

  • In English, you will hear people talking about a “family doctor” or a “physician” (which has nothing to do with a physicist… beware of false friends!)

What is the role of a family doctor in Canada?

Your family doctor is your primary health care provider. They can

  • Treat common illnesses

  • Order tests or prescribe medication

  • Refer you to a specialist when necessary

  • Carry out certain procedures that are usually done by specialists in other countries (e.g., Pap smears or mole removal).

Having a family doctor means you can benefit from personalized care.

Specialized Nurse Practitioner

In some provinces, you can be treated by a “Specialized Nurse Practitioner (SNP)” or “Infirmier Praticien Spécialisé (IPS)”. These professionals can prescribe medication, diagnose certain conditions and provide follow-up care, even if they are not trained as doctors. The good news is that they are more likely to accept new patients!

Where can you find a health care professional in Canada?

- Ask around: Talk to people around you (friends, colleagues, parents of students, etc.) and ask for recommendations.

- Search online: Use the Yellow Pages or search directly on your provincial or territorial government website. Here are some useful links:

Also search using these phrases: “Province/Territory + Find a Family Doctor” if the links no longer work.

- Contact clinics directly: Make a list of clinics in your area and call to find out if they are accepting new patients.

- Get on a waiting list: In some provinces, you can put yourself on a waiting list to be put in touch with a doctor.

What can you do if you need to see a doctor and do not have a family doctor in Canada?

If you do not yet have a family doctor, here are some alternatives:

  • Online consultation: Some services allow you to consult a doctor online (paid service).

  • Walk-in clinics: Ideal for one-off consultations.

  • Emergencies: Hospital remains an option for serious problems, but be aware of waiting times.

When should I start looking for a family doctor in Canada?

As soon as you arrive in Canada! But first, make sure you have your provincial or territorial health card (e.g., Carte Soleil in Quebec, OHIP Card in Ontario, etc.). Without it, you will have to pay for your consultations out of pocket.

In short, don’t waste time!

  • Finding a family doctor can be time-consuming, so start your search as soon as possible.

  • Consider nurse practitioners if a doctor is not available.

  • Explore all options: referrals, online searches, clinics, online consultations, etc.

  • Don’t wait until you’re sick to worry!

Good luck with your search and, above all, take care of yourself!

EC