Spotlight on the SGFP Digital Health Team

Dear SGFP Members,

For the final spotlight in our summer series, I’m pleased to highlight the work of our Digital Health Team.

Who They Are

Led by Dr. Kevin Brophy, Chief Physician Officer, Digital Health, and Danyal Martin, Chief Administrative Officer, the team includes Drs. Anushiya Ganeshalingam, Naila Kassam, Stan Spacek, and Keith Thompson. Together, they bring deep clinical experience and digital expertise, with a shared commitment to ensuring that digital transformation supports, rather than complicates, the work of family physicians.

Their work focuses on positioning family physicians as leaders in Ontario’s digital transformation. Through strong alliances and system engagement, the team advances practical, physician‑led digital solutions that reduce administrative burden, improve clinical workflows, and ensure that family physicians’ needs are reflected in digital decision‑making and governance.

As I write, the team is busy reviewing the Request for Bids for the new Primary Care Medical Record (PCMR) that launched last week. They are paying particular attention to how this procurement process will align with our Digital Health Roadmap and opportunities to ensure family physicians are involved in the development and oversight of the PCMR. 

What They’ve Built

Over the past two years, the Digital Health Team has developed the foundational guidance that now anchors SGFP’s digital advocacy.

SGFP Digital Health Principles

A clear set of expectations for what family physicians need from digital tools, including safety, interoperability, workflow alignment, reduced administrative burden, and physician‑led governance. These principles guide SGFP’s engagements with government, Ontario Health, and system partners.

A Foundational Reset: An Actionable Roadmap for Ontario’s Digital Health

A practical roadmap outlining the steps required to modernize Ontario’s digital ecosystem. It provides a phased approach to governance, standards, data architecture, EMR integration, and change management, and is now a key reference point in provincial discussions, including the PCMR.

Building Alliances

The team has strengthened SGFP’s influence by building strong alliances with the OMA, OCFP, AFHTO, Ontario Health, and the Ministry of Health. This unified voice has elevated the role of family physicians in digital decision‑making.

Applying These Foundations

Their work informs SGFP’s approach to priorities such as the PCMR, FIT transition, HRM and result flagging issues, interoperability and standards, vendor accountability, and reducing the burden of digital innovation on family physicians.

Thank You

We are grateful to the Digital Health Team for their leadership and commitment to improving the digital landscape for family physicians. Their work ensures that digital transformation in Ontario is safe, practical, and physician‑led.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Dave Barber, Chair, SGFP

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