Your community doesn't just consist of your friends, family and neighbours...
It is also a network of people who help you with a variety of aspects of your life — from your mechanic to your gym instructor, to a financial advisor or a spiritual guide, your broader community has a big impact on your health and wellbeing. And when thinking of your health and wellbeing, your family doctor might be one of the most important members of your community.
British Columbia is affected by a shortage of family physicians, and many people use walk-in-clinics until they are able to secure a primary care physician for themselves and their families. But a family doctor is a key part of your support network — what can you do to find one?
Check these lists
The resources below can be used as a starting point to help you find a family doctor in your area. This is not an exhaustive list of healthcare providers in B.C. but it is a good place to start.
- Find family doctors accepting new patients and/or walk-in clinics in your community
- Find up-to-date walk-in clinic wait times and/or see a physician virtually
- Consult with a nurse over the phone.
- The BC College of Family Physicians also have some additional tips
Finding the right fit
Getting a family physician might be a big challenge, but even if you find an available family physician you should also look for someone who is the right for your needs. In the last edition of Healthy UBC, our editorial on health literacy listed a series of questions to help you take control of your own health — these questions may also help you discern if the doctor you are speaking with is the right fit.
Can't be there in person? Try a virtual clinic!
The pandemic opened many people's eyes to a world of services online — health was no exception. While you look for a family physician who you will be comfortable, you might like to access a health-care provider through a virtual clinic. Here are a few examples:
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