{"id":31482,"date":"2024-04-01T12:58:49","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T16:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=31482"},"modified":"2026-01-19T11:34:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T16:34:32","slug":"what-is-a-family-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/what-is-a-family-doctor\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Family Doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"

A family doctor, also known as a family physician, is a trusted partner in your healthcare journey\u2014they act as your first point of contact for all of your non-emergency medical needs, which means they treat illnesses, provide proactive care, and educate you on how to best look after your health.<\/span><\/p>\n

The terms \u201cfamily doctor\u201d and \u201c<\/span>general practitioner<\/span><\/a>\u201d are sometimes used interchangeably, but there\u2019s a slight difference between the two in Canada. Although both can be your point person for routine health matters, family doctors complete an extra two years of training in family medicine and other health areas such as paediatrics, gynecology, and psychiatry.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a family doctor do?<\/b><\/h4>\n

In a nutshell, a family doctor helps people of all ages maintain good health. One way they do so is through physician examinations\u2014or, check-ups. This is where they\u2019ll <\/span>collect<\/span><\/a> basic information about your health, such as your weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate to track trends over time and identify vital signs outside the healthy range. They also provide regular screenings (like Pap tests), make referrals (to experts like gastroenterologists) and keep you up-to-date on vaccinations (like tetanus).<\/span><\/p>\n

Another way family doctors help you maintain good health is by acting as your main contact for non-urgent health concerns. Have an ache or pain, or just feel a bit off? Your family doctor can complete an assessment and offer a treatment method. They can also refer you to a specialist for further assessment or request a medical test, such as bloodwork or an ultrasound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know?<\/span><\/i> According to WorkBC, Simply having a family doctor and visiting them regularly has been associated with <\/span>fewer<\/span><\/a> hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should kids have a paediatrician or a family doctor?<\/b><\/h4>\n

Paediatricians<\/span><\/a> are physicians who complete four additional years of training after medical school to specialize in the health of babies, children, and teenagers. Because their extra training includes paediatric heart health, allergies, development, and neonatology (how to care for newborn infants, especially ones who are ill or premature), paediatricians are particularly beneficial to children with special needs or chronic health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to inquire about the role paediatricians have near you since their services differ<\/span> depending on where you live. For example, in Alberta, paediatricians don\u2019t provide routine vaccinations, which are the ones recommended based on one\u2019s age and vaccine history\u2014you need to visit a <\/span>designated health centre<\/span><\/a> for that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Something else to consider: Canada has fewer than three thousand practicing paediatricians, so it can be difficult to find one who\u2019s accepting new patients, especially outside of major cities. In that case, a family doctor may be your best option\u2014they are, after all, trained to treat people of all ages. You can also seek telemedicine for some paediatric matters. <\/span>We can connect you <\/span><\/a>with over two thousand Canadian-licensed paediatricians who can advise on feeding and behavioural issues, growing pains, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why are family doctors important?<\/b><\/h4>\n

As mentioned, family doctors are your main point of contact with Canada\u2019s healthcare system. They <\/span>help you reach optimal health<\/span><\/a> you reach optimal health, get effective care, live longer, and have fewer visits to the hospital and emergency rooms. One of the most beneficial reasons for having a family doctor is that they\u2019re particularly skilled at recognizing patterns in your health and finding the cause, meaning they play a vital role in the early identification of disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Family doctors are also your gateway to specialists, as Canadians generally need to be referred to other doctors by their family doctor or general practitioner at a walk-in clinic. But there are a few exceptions\u2014<\/span>some specialists<\/span><\/a> can be accessed through telemedicine. We\u2019re committed to matching you with Canadian-licensed specialists including dermatologists, psychologists, endocrinologists and paediatricians, who can help answer some of your pressing health questions and concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is a family doctor free in Canada?<\/b><\/h4>\n

Canada has universal healthcare, which means the country\u2019s tax dollars cover the cost of basic services\u2014including check-ups with your family doctor\u2014 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you find a family doctor?\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n

Every province and territory has a <\/span>website<\/span><\/a> that shares how to find a family doctor in that location. In Ontario, you can register at <\/span>Health Care Connect<\/span><\/a>, a program that connects Ontarians with nearby physicians accepting new patients. <\/span>Here\u2019s more information on finding a doctor in your area:<\/span><\/p>\n