Evidence and Research
Family Medicine Matters
As the voice of family physicians in Alberta, the ACFP works to advocate for family doctors and value their contributions to the health of their patients and their communities. It seeks to support the well-being of family physicians through for peer-to-peer connections, compassionate leadership and services that respond to their needs.
Why Family Doctors Matter
Family medicine is one of the unique medical specialties where family doctors can provide care to you at every life stage from the time you are born, to the birth of your kids, to helping you care for your parents. Family doctors are with you every step of the way, standing by your side.
Evidence and Research
- The Value of Family Medicine: An impossible job, done impossibly well, PEER
- Evidence Pertaining to a Healthy Primary Care Workforce, PEER
- Family Physicians: At the front line of primary care, CFPC
- Family Physicians: The foundation of Canada’s health care system, CFPC
- Family Medicine Professional Profile
- CanMEDS-Family Medicine (CanMEDS-FM), RCPSC
Trusted Relationships
A family doctor-patient relationship is one of the most trusted in health care. It is a relationship that both the family doctor and patient have been nurturing since a patient’s first visit.
Lifelong Care
n many cases, a relationship with your family physician may be the longest partnership you have in the health system and quite possibly your life. Many family physicians treat patients from the day they were born to their last day of life. Because of this enduring relationship, family physicians possess a wide breadth and depth of clinical knowledge — both from acute and chronic presentations to preventative and palliative care.
They Know You and Your Family
After years of treating you as a patient, your doctor knows your history and your family’s too. Quite often, family physicians will see multiple generations of a family and will likely be able to spot possible risk factors. Getting to know your whole family and understanding you helps paint a fuller picture for a physician to properly assess your medical needs and well-being.
They are in Your Corner
Your family doctor can be one of your best care advocates. They know your history and know what you need and will work with you and the health system to best help coordinate your care — be it referring you to the right specialist or following up on your hospital stay or emergency visit. Your family physician provides the link to ensure your care has continuity.
Advocacy in Action
ACFP Members – Get Involved
Log in or sign up to our online member community – ACFP Networks to gain access to exclusive advocacy tools and resources.
Raising Awareness
- I Stand With Alberta Family Doctors
- Heart of Family Medicine — YouTube Playlist
- Heart of Family Medicine
- Family Docs Rock!
Initiatives Across the Country
- Your Care Specialist
- My Family Doctor Cares Campaign
- Your Doctor Will See You Know
- The Value of Family Physicians
- We Specialize in You
- Your Doctors
Lobbying
As a registered lobbyist, the ACFP files semi-annual activity reports. To learn more about our activities and what it means to be a lobbyist click here.