Jill Berridge, daughter of longstanding member Janet Kempster, held the audience in rapt attention as she provided an overview of the current challenges in the medical system in general and Family Medicine in particular. Jill was well qualified to address this topic being an accomplished healthcare administrator and leader with extensive experience at Mc Master U, serving for 12 years as Program Director of Health Services in the Dept of Family Medicine along with several other leadership positions and awards spanning 30 years.

She explained why it is so difficult for the 2 million people without a family doctor to find one. This is exacerbated by the fact that this number will double in 5 years. Fewer doctors are choosing Family Medicine and 52% of current Family Doctors will retire in 5 years. Jill explained in laypersons terms some of the funding structures that both help and hinder the challenges of our medical system – again with a focus on the Family Doctor as it relates to time restrictions per patient visit, remuneration, and more lucrative opportunities in hospitals or specialized fields. But then she shared how new structures for medical clinics staffed with a broad spectrum of services, IT programs that relieve hours of paper work, and AI innovations (for the future) will create a more favourable climate to attract graduates into Family Medicine. In closing she gave out two websites now dedicated to finding a Family Doctor: bbnoht.ca/services and Ontario.ca/healthcareconnect   It was evident by the applause, the Q and A, and the comments following the presentation that Jill had touched on an area of deep interest and concern for all present.

We are very grateful for this insightful and knowledgeable overview.

Linda T