Dear Colleagues,
With the workload and administrative burden that we face as family physicians, I know that many of you are feeling overwhelmed and may be struggling with burnout. As we continue our advocacy at the OCFP, I am hopeful for improvements within the system that will address the challenges you face in your practices. I look forward to providing you with further updates as we make progress in this regard.
One of the strategies that I use to balance the stress from my busy workdays has been to carve out time outdoors. I am inspired by the work and passion of Dr. Melissa Lem, the director and founder of Park Prescriptions, and have been drawn to her evidence-based approach to prescribing nature. As I try to prioritize my own wellness, I’ve been captivated with a forest close to my home. I’ve captured one of my favourite spots in the picture below, where I am able to ground myself before getting back to the busyness of my day.
Please continue reading to find information and tools to support you in practice.
In This Email:
Information to Support Your Patients
Advocacy
Practice Ready Assessment applications for Phase 1 are due July 19, 2023. Those interested in participating as an Assessor for Practice Ready Ontario can visit the Practice Ready Ontario website and complete the Contact Us form.
The Council of the Federation, made up of premiers of all provinces and territories, met earlier this week. The OCFP, with our counterparts across Canada, wrote a letter to the Chair and Vice Chair highlighting the crisis in family medicine and advocating for solutions.
COVID-19 and IPAC
COVID-19 booster doses: New guidance from NACI (July 11, 2023) recommends a fall booster with the new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine be offered to those in the authorized age groups who haven’t had a shot or a known COVID-19 infection in the past six months.
Boosters, RATs, Remdesivir and Paxlovid: To support family doctors in responding to questions about access to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and tests, the OCFP has developed a summary.
JCOVDEN COVID-19 vaccine is being voluntarily recalled by Janssen Inc. and the Ministry of Health is recommending an immediate discontinuation of its use.
IPAC considerations: The OCFP has updated our tool outlining measures for infection prevention and control against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
Information to Support Your Patients
Cytology Testing: The Ministry of Health and Ontario Health have set a goal of a 10-14 day turnaround time for a cervical cancer screening by the end of summer.
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program: Adults experiencing depression or anxiety-related concerns can access cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services at no charge. Individuals can self-refer for most of the networks or get a referral from a provider.
Options for the Sustainable Prescriber is a new resource created by The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care's Sustainable Prescribing working group (in partnership with several like-minded organizations).
From the OCFP
The next “Changing the Way We Work (COVID-19) Community of Practice” is scheduled for July 28, 2023. Registration is open. During the session we will share updates on the latest evidence and guidance for COVID-19, including the most recent booster recommendations and planning for the fall. We will also discuss system-level strategies to support physician wellness.
CFPC Certification Exam Orientation Workshop will be held on August 19 and 20, 2023. Registration is open. Registration is also open for residents to participate as simulated office orals (SOOs) examiners.
Other Opportunities
Models of Care Innovation Fund: The Ministry of Health is accepting proposals for funding to help implement innovative models that allow for the right care in the right places, and faster access to care, within current resources. It is our understanding that some groups will re-submit Expressions of Interest – Interprofessional Care Teams proposals. Deadline is August 31, 2023.
New Program Opportunities from Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC):
- Strengthening Primary Care in Northern, Rural and Remote Communities
- Health Workforce Innovation Challenge
The Black Physicians Association of Canada’s inaugural conference is scheduled for October 12-15, 2023. Registration is now open.
AFHTO is recruiting board members. The nomination form is available and open until July 28, 2023.
I hope that you have some time planned this summer to rest, recharge and enjoy some time outdoors. As always, thank you for all that you do to care for your patients. You are making a difference.
Mekalai