Get Involved: SGFP Roles Open for Tariff, Policy, and Digital Health Teams

Dear SGFP Members,

As we embrace the warmth of summer and look forward to the long weekend, I hope you find time to enjoy a well-deserved break with your family and friends. Your relentless dedication and the exceptional care you provide to Ontarians every day do not go unnoticed, and for that, we are immensely grateful.

As we head into this season of relaxation and rejuvenation, I am excited to share several opportunities for you to get involved with the SGFP, which will be posted by the OMA as an Expression of Interest next week:

Tariff Team: 2 positions available

• Two positions are available for those interested in working with a team on all matters related to physician billing, fees, and remuneration. This includes documentation and information for submission to relevant OMA committees.

Policy & Advocacy Team: 2 positions available

• Two positions are open on this team, which is responsible for executing and advising on policy development and advocacy activities.

Digital Health Physician Lead: 1 position available

• This role will focus on AI, EMRs and data to ensure the delivery of tailored and relevant digital health services to family physicians.

Member Advisory Panel: multiple positions available  

• This forum will provide support, input, and feedback into various SGFP activities. Participation in this group will be on an ad hoc basis.

As family doctors, we have a unique opportunity to address the healthcare crisis in Ontario. It is our time to lead for the sake of our patients and our profession. These positions are a chance for us to increase our visibility, credibility, and influence within the system.

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment and the exceptional care you continue to provide. Wishing you all a wonderful and restful summer.

Warm regards,

Dr. David Barber
Chair, Section on General and Family Practice

Meet Your SGFP Policy & Advocacy Physician Lead

Dr. Beth Perrier was appointed in May 2024 to the inaugural SGFP role as the Physician Lead for SGFP Policy and Advocacy. She has been practicing comprehensive community family medicine since her graduation in 2016 from Queens University residency program. Additionally, her practice includes medical psychotherapy. She is also a proud graduate of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay campus. She holds additional leadership positions including SGFP interim Vice Chair, District 6 Chair and Hastings Prince Edwards Medical Society President. Beth has a background in the performing arts, and enjoys live music, learning to paddleboard and time with her 2 young children.  

From the Policy & Advocacy Desk

First off, a message of thanks, acknowledgment, appreciation and deep gratitude to our colleagues and predecessors in Family Medicine Leadership who have worked tirelessly over the years. Your collective efforts and achievements have been immeasurably important and valuable despite often challenging circumstances. With great respect for where we have come from, we will continue to work to advance the position of Family Doctors in Ontario.

The Policy & Advocacy Team has two major areas of focus. First, the team will continue the important work of responding to current issues facing family doctors and advocating on your behalf; these efforts are largely responding to activities occurring outside of the SGFP. Second, you will begin to see an increasing future focus through SGFP driven policy and advocacy activities. The team is working closely with the Tariff and Digital Health Teams focused on developing new models (e.g., funding, care delivery) that value and sustain family medicine as key and important players in the system. Updates on these activities will appear in future SGFP newsletters.

OMA's annual advocacy day: In other news, registration is open for OMA's annual advocacy day at the Ontario Legislature on October 21, 2024. Meet with MPPs and key officials to discuss doctors' experiences and healthcare solutions. SGFP is working toward a strong family physician presence at this event. Register in advance for Queen's Park Day 2024 to participate. Curious? Check out last year's event to learn more.