For Researchers
The need for family medicine and primary care research
Primary care is the cornerstone of the health care system in Canada and family physicians make a significant contribution to it. Research is an element of practice as outlined in the CFPC’s Professional Profile. It creates the evidence that forms the foundation of our discipline, guides care, and informs health services planning and education. The ability to identify, study, and cite our own evidence is essential to reaffirm the value and impact of primary care, including family medicine, on Canadians’ health and the Canadian health care system. Explore our resources and connect with our community of researchers.
Learn more about the Section of ResearchersThe Section of Researchers’ (SOR’s) Blueprint for Family Medicine Research Success 2.0 (2018-2023)
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Preparing our Future Family Physicians. Using research and evaluation toward education and practice improvement.
Research news and updates
Exploring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Practical considerationsThe Section of Researchers recognizes that there is a need to more actively address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in primary care research. This session at the Family Medicine Forum will explore ways to better understand how EDI issues impact research and researchers in family medicine/primary care. Please join us as panelists share their knowledge and experience and discuss strategies to advance EDI in family medicine/primary care research.
Results of the June 2022 CFPC Members Survey on COVID-19
It is critically important to know how family doctors are caring for their patients and communities as front-line health workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) surveyed its more than 42,000 members in 2020, 2021 and 2022. We told their COVID-19 stories at the start of the pandemic. The results of the June 2022 survey show how family doctors continue to adapt their practices and the concerns they have for the well-being of their patients and themselves.
Highlights of the 2022 CFPC Members Survey on COVID-19 are available online.
Have questions? Please contact us at [email protected].
Creating a Stronger Base for Health Care Innovation
The College of Family Physicians of Canada continues to promote the critical importance of research in primary care. Read about our current advocacy efforts related to Canadian Institutes of Health Research funding and the need to enhance support for primary, home, and community health care research to improve the health of everyone in Canada.
Proposal for a CIHR institute of integrated primary, home, and community health care
Despite the critical importance of primary, home, and community care to the health of everyone in Canada, less than 3 per cent of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funding goes to primary care. In addition, most of this is time-limited strategic funding that will end soon.
The creation of an integrated primary, home, and community health care institute as part of the CIHR would position Canada as a leader in these research areas. It would also strengthen the capacity of these sectors to respond to future and emerging health care needs and challenges.
Please read and share the proposal provided here.
The CFPC's Position Statement: Supporting access to data in electronic medical records for quality improvement and research
Section of Researchers
The Section of Researchers (SOR) is the section of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) that represents members who have an interest in primary care research in Canada. Members include family physicians, residents, medical students, and researchers from different professions and background, includes early-, mid-, and senior-career researchers.
Related Resources
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PBRNS in Canada
A PBRN is a group of primary care clinicians and practices working together to answer community-based health care questions. They engage clinicians in quality improvement and research activities, giving them the opportunity to increase their research skills, and benefit from linkages to experienced researchers. There are more than 16 primary care PBRNs across Canada.
McMaster University Sentinel Information Collaboration (MUSIC)
CPCSSN-Atlantic Practice Based Research Network (APBRN)
British Columbia Primary Care Research Network (BCPCReN)
Pragmatic Trials Collaborative
Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (NAPCReN)
Southern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (SAPCReN)
Manitoba Primary Care Research Network (MaPCReN)
Deliver Primary Healthcare Information (DELPHI)
University of Toronto Practice Based Research Network (UTOPIAN)
The Eastern Ontario Network (EON)
Maritime Family Practice Research Network (MaRNet-FP)
Fonds de la recherché en sante Quebec (FRSQ)
Research Transfer Network of Alberta (RTNA)
Alberta Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research
Aboriginal Capacity and Development Research Environments Network (ACADRE)
Knowledge Network in Integrated Primary Care Health Services (Knowledge-1 Quebec)
RRAPPL Université McGill
McGill Primary Health Care Research Network
RRAPPL de l'Université de Sherbrooke
Quebec Practice-Based Research Network (QPBRN)
Canadian Primary Health Care Research & Innovation Network (CPHCRIN)
CPCSSN- Réseau de recherche en soins primaires de l’Université de Montréal (RRSPUM) -
Frequently asked questions
Can the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) send out a survey for me?
Regrettably, the CFPC is not able to provide access to members’ information to anyone outside the organization. Doing so contravenes the Personal Information and Protection of Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) guidelines that the College follows.
The CFPC is also not permitted to send out any surveys or invitations by email on behalf of third parties. There are other means of accessing family physicians in Canada, including the use of Scott’s Directories.
Can the CFPC conduct a literature review for me?
CFPC members are entitled to one literature search per year. Please submit a request to Library Services.
How do I find a research mentor?
Please contact the CFPC and staff will connect you to a mentor in your region.
What type of research grants and awards are available to me and how do I apply?
The CFPC offers the Janus Research Grant and D.M. Robb Research Grant. A full description for each award offered through the CFPC, including value and eligibility, is available at https://fafm.cfpc.ca/. Applications for grants and awards are submitted online through an electronic application form. The applications are handled through the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine (FAFM), through its Honors and Awards Committee. If you have any questions about grants, awards, the application/nomination process, or technical concerns, please contact [email protected].
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Research Awards
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Research organizations
North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG)
Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN)
Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR)
Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)
American Academy of Family Physicians
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Research articles
The ecology of medical care: Bull N Y Acad Med. 1996 Summer; 73(1): 187–212.
Nurturing curiosity and making an impact: Francine Lemire, Canadian Family Physician. January 2014; 60(1) : 96.
Do we really need family medicine research?: Walter Rosser, Canadian Family Physician. September 2004; 50(9): 1189-1191.
Research in family medicine: Tom Bailey MD, CCFP, FCFP, Canadian Family Physician. July 2007; 53(7): 1249.
Family medicine research capacity building: Walter Rosser, Marshall Godwin and Rachelle Seguin, Canadian Family Physician. March 2010; 56 (3): e94-e100.
Family medicine in 2018: Keith D. Ogle et al., Canadian Family Physician. April 2010; 56(4): 313-315.
Cutting the vagus nerve: Savithiri Ratnapalan, Canadian Family Physician. May 2008; 54(5): 748.
Reasons to Research: Elaine Desnoyers, Christopher Sikora and Miriam Lacasse, Canadian Family Physician. January 2007; 53(1): 106-107.
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Publications
The Section of Researchers’ (SOR’s) Blueprint for Family Medicine Research Success 2.0 (2018-2023)
The CFPC Section of Researchers’ Blueprint for Family Medicine Research Success 2012 - 2017
The Seven Wonders of Family Medicine Research
Canadian Family Medicine Submission to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research: regarding The Multi-Stakeholder Taskforce on Clinical Research (MUST) Report from the Chairs of the Departments of Family Medicine of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Annals of Family Medicine
Ecology of family physicians’ research engagement
Top 20 Pioneers of Family Medicine Research in Canada -
Posters and Presentations
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