West Toronto Primary Care Network

Welcome to the West Toronto Primary Care Network!

We are a collective of Family Physicians and Primary Care Providers here in West Toronto dedicated to:

Building a community of providers in our community
Growing our collective influence and ensure representation for primary care at decision-making tables
Communicating with all primary care providers to get you the information you need
Collaborating with Primary Care Networks across Ontario to spread positive change!

Further Care for your Clients

For Primary Care Physicians who have patients/clients in need of services for seniors and/or mental health and addictions in the Mimico and South Parkdale neighbourhoodsContinue reading

Welcome to the West Toronto Primary Care Network!

We are a collective of Family Physicians and Primary Care Providers here in West Toronto dedicated to:

Building a community of providers in our community
Growing our collective influence and ensure representation for primary care at decision-making tables
Communicating with all primary care providers to get you the information you need
Collaborating with Primary Care Networks across Ontario to spread positive change!

Further Care for your Clients

For Primary Care Physicians who have patients/clients in need of services for seniors and/or mental health and addictions in the Mimico and South Parkdale neighbourhoods, the West Toronto OHT is pleased to partner with a community health service provider to support residents and patients in the area. Click here to access services for seniors and/or mental health and addictions services.

More information about our test of change in Mimico is available here, and in South Parkdale here.

Questions for your Primary Care Council

Share Could you please explain to me what the difference is between a Family Physician and a Primary Care Provider? Is a Primary Care Provider always a physician? Or could it be a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physiotherapist, or a Naturopath? on Facebook Share Could you please explain to me what the difference is between a Family Physician and a Primary Care Provider? Is a Primary Care Provider always a physician? Or could it be a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physiotherapist, or a Naturopath? on Twitter Share Could you please explain to me what the difference is between a Family Physician and a Primary Care Provider? Is a Primary Care Provider always a physician? Or could it be a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physiotherapist, or a Naturopath? on Linkedin Email Could you please explain to me what the difference is between a Family Physician and a Primary Care Provider? Is a Primary Care Provider always a physician? Or could it be a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physiotherapist, or a Naturopath? link

Could you please explain to me what the difference is between a Family Physician and a Primary Care Provider? Is a Primary Care Provider always a physician? Or could it be a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physiotherapist, or a Naturopath?

MC asked almost 2 years ago

Great question! Here are some definitions:
A Family Physician (FP) is always an MD who also has 2+ years of residency training and is exam-certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
A General Practitioner (GP) is always an MD who does not have residency training and/or certification by the CFPC. These individuals were typically grandfathered in the system from a time when residency was not required to practice, and they are no longer being added to the system.
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is NOT always an MD - but includes Family Physicians, General Practitioners, some Pediatricians (who provide primary care to kids) - and also other health care professionals who independently see Primary Care issues such as Nurse Practitioners (NP). Sometimes Physician Assistants (PA) or Registered Nurses (RN) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) provide Primary Care services under the supervision of an MD or NP.
Naturopaths, Chiropractors, and Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Social Workers etc are not considered PCPs as they are specialists in their own fields, each with their own specific scope of service. Some jurisdictions (like the US) might also consider Obstetricians, Midwives, Emergency Physicians, and Internal Medicine physicians to be in Primary Care, but they are not officially designated as such in Ontario.
I hope that helps!
Nadine