The Saskatchewan Medical Association is recognizing Family Doctor Day by urging for support for family physicians. SMA president Dr. John Gjevre thanks the more than 900 family doctors working across the province and he recognizes the hard work that is being done in clinics, local hospitals and in their practice settings. A recent SMA survey found that two years working in the pandemic has affected many family doctors. Respondents noted their mental health has worsened while their workload has increased.
Dr. Myles Deutscher, president of the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians, says family doctors would like to see more support in the form of healthcare teams, including mental health providers. He gives the example of primary care clinics integrated into “Patients’ Medical Neighbourhoods” where patients and their family physicians work with a team to provide health care.