Members have asked the OCFP to increase our advocacy efforts to further champion the role of family physicians in healthcare and lead much-needed health system changes - and for good reason.

It is well documented that a robust primary care sector, anchored by family physicians, supports stronger front-line care and a better patient experience, while creating efficiencies in the system. Despite this evidence, the family physician role is shifting and, at times, is not being valued as the bedrock of a well-functioning health system. With the emergence of a new policy agenda in Ontario, re-asserting the family doctor's vital role in our health system is paramount.

Since the election in June 2018, below is a snapshot of key OCFP activities to date which focus on reinforcing our members' pivotal role in care delivery and in leading health reform, and priorities in primary care:

Held a stakeholder symposium at the end of September - the start of a series of conversations that will identify how family medicine can advance health reform for the citizens of Ontario; the event included remarks from Dr. Rueben Devlin, Special Advisor and Chair of the Premier's Council on Improving Health Care and Ending Hallway Medicine, and Andre Picard as guests;

Met with Deputy Minister Helen Angus and Associate Deputy Minister Melanie Fraser, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, at the OCFP Board of Directors meeting in mid-November;

And in late November, the OCFP's Board President, Dr. Jennifer Young, Past President, Dr. Glenn Brown, and the OCFP's CEO, Leanne Clarke met with the Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Christine Elliott.

Ultimately, our focus is on ensuring that the voice of the family physician informs upcoming changes to Ontario's healthcare landscape. The OCFP is working very closely with the OMA's Section on General and Family Practice and the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario to bring a strong and unified voice to issues impacting family medicine.

Your input is essential. How can the OCFP best advocate for the issues that matter most to you in your practice? Share your perspectives here: [email protected]