There’s no substitute for a family doctor.

When you’re looking for answers, you can find a lot of resources online or in person that claim to give you the best advice or the latest trendy health hacks. But there’s no substitute for a family doctor. Family doctors with a CCFP designation are medical experts. They are highly trained medical specialists, play a central role in health care delivery, and strengthen health care for everyone.

Find out why.

A CCFP family doctor is a highly trained medical specialist.

A CCFP family doctor undergoes at least six years of rigorous medical training, more than two years of clinical experience prior to practice, followed by comprehensive exams, and continuing professional development.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada certifies family doctors in Canada and a CCFP is the Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The letters CCFP are a mark of excellence and mean your family doctor meets high standards.




 

Family doctors play a central role in health care delivery in Canada.

Family doctors provide more than half of all medical care in Canada.

Family doctors provide care for you and your family in a variety of settings including emergency medicine, home and long-term care, hospital care, palliative care, addictions and mental health care, and maternal and newborn care, among others.

They have a wide range of knowledge to manage the most complex and chronic health conditions.



 

When governments invest in family doctors, it strengthens health care for everyone.

Being cared for by a family doctor offers a better quality of life and decreased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which lead to lower health care costs.

Family doctors leading a team of health professionals can provide you with the best care. They are highly trained medical specialists. There’s no substitute for a family doctor.

The CFPC advocates for family doctors so that all Canadians can receive care from a family doctor. Learn more about what the CFPC is doing to help you and family doctors.

We know that six million Canadians don’t have a family doctor. The CFPC is speaking with governments to improve this. In the meantime, here are some provincial and territorial resources that can help you find a family doctor.
 

Learn more about the value of family doctors

Read our fact sheet.