Chapter News: October 2026
Nadine St-Pierre Award 2026 – Congratulations to Dr. Assia Rarrbo!
The QCFP is glad to announce that Dr. Assia Rarrbo, from the University of Montreal, has been awarded the Nadine St-Pierre Award for 2026.
Dr. Assia Rarrbo has distinguished herself through the quality of her work in a research proposal titled “How Do Asylum Seekers Perceive the Care Provided by Family Medicine Residents at a Migrant Clinic in Montreal? An Exploratory Qualitative Study.”
Her work describes the experiences of asylum seekers seeking health care. Her research will also seek to understand the psychological and emotional impact of the medical care provided to these refugees to promote potential changes in medical practices, both at the individual and organizational levels.
Once again, congratulations to our recipient!
The QCFP takes this opportunity to once again congratulate all the 2026 award winners.
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Policy and Advocacy Opportunities
Ontario family physicians – we’re seeking your insights!
The OCFP is holding focus groups with members to hear your perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping family practice today. We are particularly seeking family physicians who practise in rural and northern Ontario communities, as well as those working in fee-for-service or enhanced fee-for-service payment models. Focus groups will last up to 60 minutes, and all participants will receive a financial incentive in appreciation of their time and input.
Interested in participating or learning more? Please contact Maddy Mackay, Policy Advisor, at [email protected]. Your insights will help inform our advocacy and policy priorities on behalf of family physicians across the province.
Professional Development Opportunities
Health equity
Root causes of Indigenous health inequities
October 8, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ET) – Learn more and register
Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to experience significant health inequities shaped by historical and ongoing systems of colonization and discrimination. In this session, we will explore the root causes of Indigenous health inequities, including the impacts of colonial policies, anti-Indigenous racism and systemic barriers within health and social systems.
Practising well
Children’s Aid Society Reporting: Navigating complex decisions in family practice
October 28, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (ET) – Learn more and register
Family physicians are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in certain circumstances, yet these decisions can be some of the most difficult and stressful they face. Join our panel for a practical discussion on the legislation governing Children’s Aid Society (CAS) reporting, how to navigate the decision-making process, and strategies for communicating with patients and families when a report must be made.
Practical assessment and management of TMJ pain in family medicine
November 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (EDT) – Learn more and register
Patients frequently present to family physicians with jaw pain, facial discomfort, and functional limitations, yet identifying the cause and determining appropriate management can be challenging. This session will provide a practical approach to assessing TMJ pain, developing a differential diagnosis and initiating evidence-informed treatment.
Upcoming workshops and programs
Osteoporosis and fracture prevention
October 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (ET) – Learn more and register
Osteoporosis and fractures in patients over 50 years of age go largely untreated. In this workshop, facilitators will provide you with best practices as outlined in the 2023 updated clinical practice guideline. A reflective follow‑up meeting will be available for participants approximately four weeks after the workshop. This one-hour online session provides an opportunity to revisit real‑world challenges and successes after implementing the strategies covered in the workshop. Attendance is optional, and those who participate will receive one additional Mainpro+® credit.
*New* Breakfast series on innovative approaches to optimizing teams
October 22, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (ET) – Learn more and register
The OCFP is excited to launch a new six-part breakfast series for family physicians focused on innovative approaches to optimizing teams. Each one-hour virtual session will feature panelists who will share candid implementation stories, lessons learned and practical ideas that participants can adapt to their own practice settings.
*New* Children’s Mental Health: Advanced cases and complex management
December 2, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) – Learn more and register
This workshop builds on the foundational knowledge from Module I and addresses more complex mood, anxiety, trauma, and neurodevelopmental presentations in adolescents. Screening and management strategies will be explored.
*New* The OCFP Leadership Academy
Starting February 2027 | Hybrid 7-day modular program | Learn more and apply now
The OCFP, in partnership with the Rotman School of Management, is launching the fifth offering of the OCFP Leadership Academy. Designed for family physicians, the program equips participants with practical skills to lead teams, navigate complexity, drive change, and build resilience, while connecting with a network of physician leaders from across Ontario.
Self-Learning
Recordings and resources from past Community of Practice sessions are available through our self-directed learning programs. Earn Mainpro+ credits at your convenience by reviewing video or audio recordings and accompanying materials, then simply complete a short survey. Explore Self-Learning.
Join our interactive fall evening webinars this October
The ACFP Thursday Evening Webinars returns with the three-part “Physician Wellness” series. Shifting away from traditional lectures to create a true community of practice, this series featuring presenter Dr. Florence Obianyor is designed to deepen your learning experience.
Join us for the next two sessions, happening October 8th and October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. (MT), for discussions on opportunities to improve sustainable practices and the role of vulnerability in building stronger communities of support among family physicians.
Come ready to participate, connect with colleagues, and share real-world experiences in a supportive space. Register now.
Join us for Alberta House at FMF 2026
Alberta’s family medicine community is getting together at the Family Medicine Forum (FMF)! Join us for cocktails at Alberta House on Wednesday, November 11th, and connect with fellow family physicians, residents, and medical students from across the province. Hosted by the ACFP, University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary, this event is a great opportunity to meet and network with peers. Stay tuned to the ACFP website and eNews for more details.
Book your stay for the 2027 Family Medicine Summit
The ACFP’s premier conference, the Family Medicine Summit, returns February 26 to 28, 2027, at the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.
Join family physicians, residents, medical students, and health care leaders from across Alberta and beyond for three days of high-impact learning, connection, and collaboration. With in-person programming, live-streamed keynotes, and on-demand content, you can customize your learning experience and bring valuable insights back to your practice.
Book your room early to enjoy exclusive room block rates while availability lasts!
Campaign: Connect Every Visit
Family physicians in British Columbia navigate over 40 disconnected digital systems every day, and this is costing them time with patients. Connect Every Visit is our call on the British Columbia government to change that. Whether you practice in British Columbia or elsewhere, your experience with fragmented or unified EMRs adds real weight to this campaign. Share your story, write to your MLA, or download our promo materials to help amplify the call for connected care.
Visit the Connect Every Visit site.
BCCFP Cultural Safety and Humility grants
The BCCFP Cultural Safety and Humility grants program provides meaningful opportunity for family physicians to engage in the work of embedding cultural safety and humility into their practice and to engage with their local Indigenous communities.
We are honoured to be able to provide funding for projects across British Columbia. The 2026–2027 cycle will have a total of $120,000 in funding available, with a maximum of $15,000 per project.
