Physician Roles in Ontario

Physicians can practise in family medicine or as specialists in Ontario. Learn about the role of a family physician or a specialist in the province, the settings you can practise in, and which governing body oversees certification.

Family Medicine

Are you interested in practising family medicine in Ontario? Family medicine physicians provide primary care, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries, as well as health promotion and disease prevention. They typically maintain a long-term relationship with patients and families.

Some family medicine physicians set up or join a practice -- including an interprofessional team. (Read about family medicine practice models in Ontario.) Other family medicine physicians work in hospitals, clinics and community health centres. Family physicians may have a practice that encompasses different components, such as office and hospital emergency room.

To practise family medicine in Ontario, you must become certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Specialists

Perhaps you are currently practising as a specialist in another country and are interested in moving to Ontario. First, visit the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada website to find out how your specialty or sub-specialty is defined in Canada, as well as requirements of the role and necessary training. You can locate information for more than 60 specialties and sub-specialties, from adolescent medicine to vascular surgery.

Specialists may work in a variety of settings, including offices, hospitals and health sciences centres. They might also have a practice that encompasses different components, such as hospital and academic. Read about specialist physician compensation models.

To practise as a specialist in Ontario, you must become certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Additional Career Options

Ontario physicians – whether family medicine or specialists – also have career options beyond direct patient care. Some are partially or exclusively engaged in research, teaching or administrative work, or a combination of these activities. For instance, a physician may undertake laboratory medicine and classroom teaching at an academic research centre...or may choose to work for the government to help set policy that meets the needs of the population and health care professionals. It’s all about making a career choice that meets your personal and professional goals.