**Please review the disclaimer at the end of this document before reading or using this guide.

Finding a family doctor is an important step for new immigrants settling in Canada. A family doctor provides primary care, manages your health, and refers you to specialists when needed. This guide provides information to help newcomers find a family doctor in Canada.

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Family Doctor

A family doctor:

• Provides general health care and preventive services.
• Manages chronic conditions and illnesses.
• Refers patients to specialists for further care.
• Keeps comprehensive medical records for ongoing health management.

Step 2: Check Provincial and Territorial Health Websites

Health care in Canada is administered by provincial and territorial governments. Each region has its own health website that offers resources for finding a family doctor:

• Ontario: Health Care Connect
• British Columbia: HealthLink BC
• Alberta: Alberta Find a Doctor
• Quebec: Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
• Nova Scotia: Need a Family Practice Registry

Visit your province or territory’s health website to access these resources.

Step 3: Register with Provincial Programs

Many provinces have programs to help residents find a family doctor:

1. Health Care Connect (Ontario):
   • How it Works: Register online or call the toll-free number. A nurse will connect you with a doctor accepting new patients in your area.
   • Website: Health Care Connect
2. Patient Attachment Mechanism (British Columbia):
   • How it Works: Register online, and the program will match you with a family doctor.
   • Website: HealthLink BC
3. Find a Doctor (Alberta):
   • How it Works: Use the online tool to search for doctors accepting new patients.
   • Website: Alberta Find a Doctor
4. Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF):
   • How it Works: Register online to be matched with a family doctor.
   • Website: GAMF 

Step 4: Use Online Directories and Tools

Several online directories and tools can help you find a family doctor:

1. College of Physicians and Surgeons Websites:
   • Most provincial colleges have searchable databases of licensed physicians.
   • Example: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta
2. Clinic Websites:
   • Many medical clinics have websites listing their doctors and indicating if they are accepting new patients.
   • Search for clinics in your area and check their websites for information.
3. Walk-In Clinics:
   • Some walk-in clinics also accept patients as regular family practice patients. Ask if the clinic has doctors accepting new patients.

Step 5: Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers (CHCs) offer primary care services and often have family doctors accepting new patients:

1. Find a CHC:
   • Search online for CHCs in your area. Many CHCs prioritize care for underserved populations, including immigrants.
   • Example: Ontario Association of Community Health Centres

Step 6: Ask for Recommendations

Personal recommendations can be very helpful:

1. Friends and Family:
   • Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any family doctors accepting new patients.
2. Settlement Agencies:
   • Many settlement agencies offer support to new immigrants, including helping them find health care providers.

Step 7: Contact Potential Doctors

Once you have a list of potential family doctors:

1. Call the Offices:
   • Contact the doctor’s office to inquire if they are accepting new patients. Be prepared to provide some basic information about yourself and your health needs.
2. Visit the Offices:
   • If possible, visit the offices to get a sense of the environment and ask any questions you may have. Many clinics in Alberta accept walk-in patients.

Step 8: Prepare for Your First Appointment

Once you have found a family doctor and scheduled your first appointment:

1. Bring Important Documents:
   • Health card, identification, medical records, and a list of medications you are currently taking.
2. Medical History:
   • Be prepared to discuss your medical history, any chronic conditions, and any concerns you have about your health.

Additional Tips

1. Be Persistent:
   • Finding a family doctor may take time and persistence, especially in areas with high demand.
2. Language Services:
   • If you are not fluent in English or French, look for doctors who speak your language or clinics that offer translation services.
3. Stay Informed:
   • Keep an eye on updates from provincial health services and community health centers about doctors accepting new patients.

Finding a family doctor in Canada is an important step for new immigrants to ensure comprehensive health care. By using provincial programs, online tools, community resources, and personal recommendations, you can successfully find a family doctor to meet your health needs. Welcome to Canada, and take advantage of the health care services available to you.

**DISCLAIMER: This document was prepared based on information gathered from various online sources. While our aim is to provide accurate and helpful information to newcomers in Canada, Active Action cannot be held responsible for any actions, outcomes, or situations that may arise from the use of this document. We strongly recommend that you verify any details with official sources or relevant authorities if you have any doubts or uncertainties about any information provided in this document. If you have any specific questions about the information in this document, or if you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please inform us immediately through the contact form. We will respond to you as soon as possible and/or update the information as necessary.