What a family physician does
A family physician is the first point of contact for most patients and the anchor of a primary care practice. They manage chronic conditions, provide preventive care, handle acute concerns and coordinate referrals to specialists. For a clinic, the right family physician brings continuity: patients who return, a roster that grows, and colleagues who can rely on consistent charting and follow-up. A poor fit can leave patients unattached again within months.
Recruiting family physicians in the GTA is competitive. Many communities are short of primary care, and physicians often weigh several offers at once, comparing payment models, overhead arrangements, EMR systems, call expectations and support staff. Finch learns how your practice is structured, what the physician would take on and what makes your clinic a good place to work, then presents that clearly to candidates whose goals match the opportunity you can offer.
Typical responsibilities
- Assess, diagnose and treat patients of all ages for acute and chronic conditions
- Provide preventive care, including screening, immunizations and periodic health reviews
- Manage a patient roster and maintain continuity of care over time
- Order and interpret lab work and diagnostic imaging, and follow up on results
- Refer patients to specialists and coordinate care with allied health professionals
- Keep accurate, timely clinical records in the practice's EMR
Qualifications and credentials
- Certificate of registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) that permits independent practice
- Certification in family medicine with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP), or equivalent recognized training
- Active OHIP billing number, or eligibility to obtain one
- Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) membership or equivalent medical liability protection
- Experience with an Ontario EMR and the payment model your practice uses
Who hires a family physician
- Family health teams and family health organizations
- Independent and group family practices
- Community health centres
- Multi-physician medical clinics
- Long-term care homes needing an attending physician
Where we recruit family physician candidates
We fill family physician roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Confirm CPSO registration and review the public register for any terms, conditions or limitations
- Verify CMPA membership and OHIP billing status
- Discuss whether the candidate wants to build a full roster, work part time or share a practice
- Review clinical interests, such as obstetrics, mental health or geriatrics, against your patient population
- Check professional references from colleagues and clinical leads
Interview questions to ask
- How do you approach building a new patient roster, and what support would you need from our team?
- How do you manage results follow-up and inbox volume in an EMR?
- Which payment models have you worked under, and what did you like or dislike about each?