COVID-19 Information and Resources

Date modified: 2021-04-09
Vaccines
The new Pan-Canadian Primary Care COVID-19 Immunization Toolkit is now available! The toolkit will offer practices specific guidance on delivering COVID-19 vaccines as well as supporting patients in vaccination decisions. The dynamic resource is updated as new information becomes available.
Visit covidtoolkit.ca
UPDATED! COVID-19 VACCINATION: FREE LEARNING MODULES
A free e-learning series for primary care professionals to stay current on COVID-19 vaccination evidence and policy
Certified for up to 1 Mainpro+® credit
The series was developed by the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Last updated on March 30th, modules include the mRNA vaccines, the viral vector vaccines, the vaccine rollout, and an important module with practical information to support professionals to build vaccine confidence. Modules will be updated based on changing evidence and policy.
Available in English only.
Register: https://www.dfcm.utoronto.ca/covid19-vaccination-modules
Notice of Fraudulent emails regarding vaccines
Please take note of the important information below regarding fraudulent outreach on COVID-19 vaccine supply:
The RCMP Federal Policing Joint Intelligence Group (JIG) has prepared a Bulletin to address the continued unsolicited offers of COVID-19 vaccine for sale. The Bulletin has been shared with law enforcement partners and government agencies in all provinces and territories, including their procurement and departmental security officials.
Please note that, to date, two coronavirus vaccines have been approved for use in Canada — the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the Moderna vaccine. The only way to access these COVID-19 vaccines is through clinics organized or endorsed by local public health authority in collaboration with Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments.
If you wish to report having received potentially fraudulent correspondence on COVID-19 vaccines, please contact Health Canada at https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/apps/radar/MD-IM-0005.08.html
- NEW! Health Canada authorizes Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
- NEW! Janssen COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know
- UPDATED! NACI rapid response: Extended dose intervals for COVID-19 vaccines to optimize early vaccine rollout and population protection in Canada
- UPDATED! What's new: Drug products (COVID-19)
- AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know
- COVID-19 Vaccination Information Resources: Tool Kit for Health Care Providers
- Guidance on the prioritization of key populations for COVID-19 immunization
- Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines
- Vaccine rollout: Distributing vaccines (distribution tables)
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Updated Dosage and Administration and Post-Market Adverse Reaction Information
- COVID-19 vaccine safety in Canada (AEFI Reports)
- Immunization of persons with chronic diseases: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine with English-only Vial and Carton Labels
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know
- Vaccine safety, concerns and possible side effects
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know
- Vaccines and treatments for COVID-19: Progress
- Vaccines and treatments for COVID-19: Vaccine rollout
- Canada’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan: Saving Lives and Livelihoods
- Health Canada authorizes first COVID-19 vaccine
- COVID-19 immunization: Federal, provincial and territorial statement of common principles
- COVID-19 vaccines and treatments portal. Information on vaccines and treatments authorized for COVID-19, as well as those currently under review.
- International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities statement on continuation of vaccine trials
General Information
Family Physicians’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
In late April the CFPC sent members a survey to gauge the impact COVID-19 is having on family doctors and their practices. The results are now in, and we’ve heard that family practices are experiencing major changes and family doctors are responding to their patients’ needs in a number of ways. A summary report of the findings is now available. In response to these findings, the CFPC issued an information release to the media and the public.
General information from the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 an official pandemic.
Below is a list of information and updates.
World Health Organization
Public Health Agency of Canada
- COVID-19 Vaccination Information Resources: Tool Kit for Health Care Providers
- COVID-19 Virtual Assistant: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Government of Canada signs new agreement for a COVID-19 antibody therapy
- COVID-19: Social media and promotional resources for Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada
- Download COVID Alert today. COVID Alert is Canada's free exposure notification app, and is now available in the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
- Outbreak update
- Essential Services Contingency Reserve
- Locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19
- Infection prevention and control for coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Interim guidance for acute healthcare settings
- Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
- Guidance for providers of services for people experiencing homelessness (in the context of COVID-19)
Physician Resources
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Virtual care resources and guidelines
- Tips for Supervising Family Medicine Learners Providing Virtual Care (CFPC)
- COVID-19: Tips for family doctors (Ontario College of Family Physicians)
- Telemedicine and virtual care guidelines by province (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)
- Doctors Technology Office (DTO) Virtual Care Toolkit (Doctors of BC)
- Telehealth and patient-doctor relationships in rural and remote communities (Canadian Family Physician December 2016)
WHO Training Course -
Public Health Agency of Canada Additional Resources for health professionals
As part of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s comprehensive updates and resources related to COVID-19, this link provides important information for health professionals. This includes details health professionals need to know, the spectrum of illness, transmission of the illness, epidemiological information, detecting and reporting, treatment and guidance.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Guidance documents- UPDATED! National surveillance for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim guidance for long-term care homes
- COVID-19 Vaccination Information Resources: Tool Kit for Health Care Providers
- Clinical management of patients with COVID-19: Second interim guidance
- Research priorities for COVID-19 vaccines to support public health decisions
- Interim guidance: Care of residents in long term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Guidance for providers of services for people experiencing homelessness (in the context of COVID-19)
- Infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim guidance for outpatient and ambulatory care settings
- Interim Guidance on Continuity of Immunization Programs during COVID-19
- Lifting of restrictive public health measures - Recommendations from the F/P/T Special Advisory Committee on COVID-19
- Supplying the Canadian healthcare sector in response to COVID-19
- Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Home Care Settings
- Requirements for serological antibody tests submitted under the COVID-19 Interim Order: guidance
- COVID-19 Technical Brief: Masking and face shields for full duration of shifts in acute healthcare settings
- Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19. Second Interim Guidance for Acute Healthcare Settings
- COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance for the Health Care Sector
- Sign up to “Get Updates on COVID-19” from the Government of Canada. Sign-up for regular short updates from the Government of Canada about COVID-19
- Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19
- Infection Prevention and Control for COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Long Term Care Homes
- Clinical management of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 - Interim guidance
- Interim national case definition: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Routine practices and additional precautions for preventing the transmission of infection in healthcare settings
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): For health professionals- Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT)
- Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccine(s)
- Guidance on the prioritization of initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine(s)
- Guidance for repeated PCR testing in individuals previously positive for COVID-19
- Interim guidance on the use of rapid antigen detection tests for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Pan-Canadian COVID-19 Testing and Screening Guidance: Technical guidance and implementation plan
- National polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing indication guidance for COVID-19
- Infection prevention and control recommendations for medical evacuation by aircraft of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from remote and isolated communities in Canada’s North
- Updated: Public health management of cases and contacts associated with COVID-19
- Guidance for influenza vaccine delivery in the presence of COVID-19
- Interim national surveillance guidelines for human infection with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Summary of assumptions
- Infection prevention and control for coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Interim guidance for acute healthcare settings
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New COVID-19 learning activity available in Mainpro+®
Your work helps flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve.
Now you can earn certified credits for conquering the learning curve!COVID-19 Learning on the Go
As part of their response to COVID-19, physicians in Canada are taking part in many learning opportunities related to the pandemic, including reading journal articles and attending webinars and rounds. Many of these activities have been developed quickly and are not formally certified.
Here is an opportunity to have your efforts recognized.
Turn your learning experience into two Mainpro+ certified credits by describing and documenting the impact the activity has had on your practice. You can find this newly created learning activity in Mainpro+ under Self-Learning, Certified activities: COVID-19 Learning on the Go.
If you have questions, please contact the Mainpro+ team at 1-800-387-6197 ext. 560 or [email protected]. -
Public Health Physicians of Canada
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Resources for Residents/New in Practice
The CFPC’s First Five Years in Family Practice- Support from your peers in early practice is available through the First Five Years in Family Practice Canada Facebook group. There are also peer First Five Years Facebook groups in each province that discuss region-specific questions (e.g., billing information).
- General transition-to-practice information is available on the First Five Years Transition to Practice website.
Impact of COVID-19 on certification and examinations- For details about cancellations, scheduling, delivery changes, and frequently asked questions related to the 2020 Certification Examination in Family Medicine and the 2020 Examination of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine, please visit: www.cfpc.ca/en/education-professional-development/examinations-and-certification/certification-examination-in-family-medicine/impact-of-covid-19-on-certification-and-examinati.
Licensing for family medicine residents graduating in 2020
The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada has advised the CFPC that family medicine residents graduating in 2020 who have not taken the required certification exam prior to finishing their training may be eligible for a provisional/temporary/restricted licence if they have:- Documentation confirming that they completed their postgraduate training program (sent directly to medical regulatory authorities by the university)
- Proof of eligibility to take the certification exam (sent directly to medical regulatory authorities by the CFPC)
Recipients of these licences must also take the Certification Examination in Family Medicine at the earliest opportunity. For more information and additional requirements, please consult your provincial/territorial medical regulatory authority.
Canadian Medical Protective Association
Individuals who are granted temporary independent licences as a result of the pandemic do not have to change their Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) Type of Work (TOW) category or notify the CMPA. Residents in this situation will remain in their existing TOW categories and will not be charged additional fees. Residents should confirm their ability to practise independently with their licensing authority prior to doing so, and they are encouraged to call the CMPA for any questions related to medical-legal advice.
Residents can contact the CMPA using its secure members portal (login required) or by calling 1-800-267-6522 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).Canadian Medical Association- The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is offering its spring Practice Management sessions by webinar. To view the presentation schedules and access the presentation decks for some of the most popular topics, visit: joulecma.ca/learn/practice-management-curriculum.
- The CMA has created a dedicated COVID-19 web page with resources for managing your practice, providing virtual care, and supporting physician wellness during this time of crisis.
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Canadian Medical Protective Association
COVID-19 Hub
Includes COVID-19 bulletins and FAQs -
Statistics Canada
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Treatment of COVID-19 with Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine
The CFPC supports the Canadian Pharmacists Association advice to pharmacists to not dispense hydroxychloroquine or azithromycin to treat symptoms of COVID-19. At this time physicians should refrain from prescribing these drugs to prevent or treat COVID-19 in the community. There is insufficient evidence to recommend their general use in combatting COVID-19. Advice pertaining to dispensing these drugs will be updated if new evidence warrants any changes.
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University of Toronto Family and Community Medicine
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University of Manitoba Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
The weekly COVID-19 Report provides an easy-to-read digest of the current understanding of the virus behind COVID-19 and key diagnostic and therapeutic questions. (Available in English only)
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Wellness Together Canada
Resources for Patients
COVID-19 FAQ
Questions and answers about COVID-19 from the Canadian Medical Association, CFPC, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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Virtual care resources
- Virtual Care Guide for Patients
- Virtual Care and You (infographic)
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Information from the Public Health Agency of Canada
- Alberta COVID-19 Border Testing Pilot Program
- Awareness Toolkit
- Recall of certain hand sanitizers that may pose health risks
- COVID-19 guidance for schools Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks | False and misleading claims
- COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada
- Parenting during COVID-19
- Help reduce the spread of COVID-19: Information for Indigenous communities
- About coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Infographic
- About non-medical masks and face coverings
- Video: Stay home during COVID-19
- Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19
- About Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
- Be prepared (COVID-19)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Vulnerable populations and COVID-19
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms and treatment
COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool and App
Canada COVID-19 Support App
Latest Travel Advice- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
- Non-medical masks or face coverings while travelling on public transportation
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Digital tools
- Travellers returning to Canada without symptoms | Information sheet
- Travellers returning to Canada with symptoms | Information sheet. Note: The information sheets include contact information for each province and territory.
Videos- Actions you can take to stop the spread of COVID-19
- Physical distancing: Stay 2 metres apart to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Public Education – Hand washing: A message about the procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.
- Public Education – Distancing: A message about the practise during the COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.
- COVID-19: Public Education – Physical distancing works
- COVID-19: Public Education – Wash your hands
Fact Sheets / Information Sheets- How to isolate at home when you may have COVID-19
- How to care for a person with COVID-19 at home – Advice for caregivers
- Physical distancing
- Taking care of your mental health (COVID-19)
- Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for newborns: Advice for mothers (COVID-19)
- How to quarantine (self-isolate) at home when you may have been exposed and have no symptoms
- How to care for child with COVID-19 at home: Advice for caregivers
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Awareness resources
Resources are available in PDF format, and some are also available in multiple languages.- Understanding COVID-19 testing
- Going out safely during COVID-19
- For travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada
- For travellers with COVID-19 symptoms returning to Canada
- For persons exempt from mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19
- Wash your hands to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus disease questions answered
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Choosing Wisely: COVID-19 Recommendations
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Pan Canadian Public Health Network
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Wellness Together Canada
CFPC Webinars
Upcoming CFPC webinars and recorded webinars are listed below. Details about upcoming COVID-19 related webinars will be posted to this page.
The COVID-19 Pivot: Putting vaccines into action and more updates
Date: March 23, 2021
Panel: Dr. Isaac Bogoch, Dr. Noni MacDonald, and Dr. Morgan Price
Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSfRoDWWLNM
The COVID-19 Pivot: Vaccine update for family physicians
Date: January 12, 2021
Presenters: Dr. Gerald Evans, Dr. Mike Kolber, and Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh
Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MehpXnRvFG0
Presentation slides
A Practical Approach to Managing RTIs in the Era of COVD-19 and Virtual Care
How can we continue to use antibiotics wisely in primary care?
Date: October 22, 2020
Presenters: Dr. Jerome Leis, Dr. Allan Grill
Access to the presentation
Emerging COVID-19 Issues: Preparing for a second wave
Date: October 6, 2020
Presenters: Dr. Meena Dawar, Dr. Monika Dutt, and Dr. Jennifer Young
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/posts/1271111149889279
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zfZEpgYD2E
Presentation slides
The COIVD-19 Pivot: An opportunity to re-evaluate high value care and clinical preventive services
Presenters: Dr. Tina Korownyk, Dr. Guylène Thériault, and Dr. Kimberly Wintemute
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/3540026336027139/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=flEG-zz53T8
Presentation slides: An opportunity to re-evaluate high value care and clinical preventive services
The COIVD-19 Pivot: Reclaiming your office practice during the pandemic
Host: Dr. Jeff Sisler
Presenters: Dr. Nadia Alam, Dr. Shirley Schipper, and Dr. Katherine Stringer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/2951884628193383/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pMhzQgkxro
Presentation slides: Reclaiming your office practice during the pandemic
Resources: Reclaiming your office practice during the pandemic
Additional Resources:
Principles for the Re-introduction of Deferred Services
Recommendations for Regional Health Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Outpatient Care, Primary Care, and Home and Community Care
The COVID-19 Pivot: Caring for vulnerable patients during the pandemic
Host: Dr. Janice Harvey
Presenters: Dr. Jane Philpott, Dr. Genevieve Bois, and Dr. Jeff Turnbull
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/3152731324790164/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlQLyOvYBzo
Presentation slides: Caring for vulnerable patients during the pandemic
Resources: Caring for vulnerable patients during the pandemic
The COVID-19 Pivot: Clinical approaches to the global pandemic from an international panel
Host: Dr. David Ponka
Presenters: Dr. William Goldberg, Dr. Elena Klusova, and Dr. Nisanth Menon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/612435246287226/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpKyuFHW-RA
The COVID-19 Pivot: Optimizing care of the elderly and long-term care residents during the pandemic
(French only)
Host: Dr. Francine Lemire
Presenters: Dr. Julia Chabot and Dr. Elise Boulanger
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/239521687388742/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAbUTt3vvw
Presentation slides: Optimizing care of the elderly and long-term care residents during the pandemic
Resources: Optimizing care of the elderly and long-term care residents during the pandemic
Rapid COVID-19 Evidence Reviews with the PEER Team
Presenters: The PEER Team
Link: https://acfp.ca/cpd-cme/online-resources/webinars/
Notes: rebroadcast; hosted by the Alberta College of Family Physicians
The COVID-19 Pivot: Rapid evidence reviews with the PEER team
Host: Dr. Michael Allan
Presenters: Dr. Christina Korownyk, Dr. Mike Kolber, Dr. James McCormack, Dr. Adrienne Lindblad, and Dr. Nic Dugre
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/246340046721614
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSdKPvfZmDc
Presentation slides: Rapid evidence reviews with the PEER team
Bottom Line Summaries – PEER Talk
The COVID-19 Pivot: Acute management in the emergency department and ongoing hospital care
Host: Dr. Victor Ng
Presenters: Dr. Andrew Arcand, Dr. Ryan Luther, and Dr. Katie Wiskar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/246144836734374/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QSCS5G48cI
Presentation slides: Acute management in the emergency department and ongoing hospital care
The Covid-19 Pivot: Optimizing Care of the Elderly and Long-term Care Residents during the Pandemic
Host: Dr. Allan Grill
Presenters: Dr. Althea Hayden (family physician and Medical Health Officer, British Columbia), Dr. Elise Levinoff (geriatrician/internist and consultant at CHSLD Jewish Eldercare Centre, Quebec), and Dr. Andrea Moser (family physician at Baycrest Geriatric Health Sciences, Ontario).
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/535354637402285/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqbi6UiEyTU
Presentation slides: Optimizing Care of the Elderly and Long-term Care Residents during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 Pivot: Examining public health campaigns in the pandemic battle
Host: Dr. Janice Harvey
Speakers: Dr. Deena Hinshaw and Dr. Jeff Kwong
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/3110894742294566/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyu3sJt5GCU
Presentation slides: Examining public health campaigns in the pandemic battle
Le virage COVID-19: Adapter la pratique de medicine de famille aux soing virtual
(webinar in French)
Host: Dr. Francine Lemire
Speaker: Dr. Mark Dermer
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/222634772403148/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8L6gjUOO1s
Presentation slides: Adapter la pratique de medicine de famille aux soing virtual
The COVID-19 Pivot: Adapting family practice to virtual care
Host: Dr. Jeff Sisler
Speakers: Dr. Mark Dermer and Dr. John Pawlovich
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydWRCCz8dmg
Presentation slides: Adapting family practice to virtual care
BMJ Infographic and Article: A quick guide to assessing patients by video or voice call
Ontario Medical Association: Telephone and virtual care fee codes
YouTube chat
The Covid-19 Pivot: Protecting patients and physicians during the pandemic
Host: Dr. Mike Allan
Speakers: Dr. Allison McGeer and Dr. Jennifer Young
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/1471214109722301/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8npP2VS4-DU
Presentation slides: Protecting patients and physicians during the pandemic
Resources and References – One Pager
YouTube chat
The COVID-19 Pivot: The Clinical Presentation of COVID-19 Infections and Course of Illness
Host: Dr. Allan Grill
Speakers: Dr. Jared Bullard and Dr. Naheed Dosani
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/536208800419157/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIU-3xUWUfA
Presentation slides: The Clinical Presentation of COVID-19 Infections and Course of Illness
Provincial/Territorial Resources
Provincial and Territorial Information and Resources
The CFPC has compiled a list of resources and information available, grouped by province and territory, for use by health care providers and/or patients.
The Doctor is In
Recommendations for expanding in-person care in community-based physician practices. Produced by the Members of the BC Community-Based Physician COVID Task Group of Doctors of BC.
My Family Doctor Cares
The BC College of Family Physicians launches campaign to highlight importance of safe and ongoing access to family physicians.