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Finding a Family Doctor

Where to Start

Why It's Important to Have a Family Doctor

  • A family doctor-patient relationship is oftentimes one of the most trusted in health care. It is a relationship that both the doctor and patient have been nurturing since a patient’s first visitu2014and often the patient’s first encounter with the health care system.
  • Family physicians often act as the central hub for managing your health and providing a higher level of continuity of care.
  • Family physicians play an important role in health promotion and illness prevention, coordinating care with other specialties and health professionals, and advocating on behalf of their patients with respect to the care and services they need in all other parts of the health care system.

How to Find a Family Doctor in Alberta

If you are looking for a family doctor, some of the best sources to help you find one is to

    • Ask a friend or relative.

    • Call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465 (LINK).

    • Search the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)’s online database

You may search for a family physician by name or learn what family physicians are accepting new patients in Alberta. Although the Alberta College of Family Physicians plays a part in licensure for practising family physicians in Alberta, we do not grant them or regulate practice permits. This role is held by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSA). Below is some information on ways you can contact the CPSA.

Contact the CPSA By email:

 

By telephone:

  • Mainline: 780-423-4764 | Main Fax: 780-420-0651
  • Public Inquiries: 1-800-561-3899 (in Canada)
  • Complaints: 1-800-661-4689 (in Canada)
  • Physicians only: 1-800-320-8624 (in Alberta)

 

Search the Primary Care Networks’ Alberta Find a Doctor website.

Most family doctors are part of a Primary Care Network (groups of health professionals working together to coordinate your health care). PCNs have tools to help you find a family doctor.

My name is Smitha Yaltho and I feel privileged to work as a family physician. Why? I believe that being a family physician has been the best job any physician can hope to have. I have personally grown in my own abilities and skill-sets with diverse opportunities in ambulatory practice, acute care and work in Facility Living.  Working in primary care has been exciting and has also afforded me tremendous opportunities for growth while still remaining stimulating in its complexity.  I believe that Family physicians are trusted partners in patient care –  every step of the way. 

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I currently have an interest in Physician Leadership and  trauma informed care.  I have served as a director with the Board of Directors with the Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton’s largest PCN. Thereafter, I have worked as the Director of Medical Services with CapitalCare (also based in Edmonton) for almost 6 years. It is my express wish that my contribution on the ACFP board of directors will highlight the excellence of family medicine that exists right here and now within the Alberta health care system. 

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Ability to highlight and further support the excellence of primary care right here in Alberta.