Family medicine is the backbone of Canada’s healthcare system.
From coast to coast, family physicians provide the first line of care—delivering prevention, diagnosis, and long-term treatment for individuals and families.
The Canadian Family Physician (CFP) journal captures this national commitment by sharing peer-reviewed research and clinical insights that guide modern practice.
What Is the Canadian Family Physician (CFP) Journal?
The Canadian Family Physician is the official peer-reviewed journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
Founded in 1954, it publishes monthly articles on clinical practice, continuing medical education, and policy updates affecting primary care.
The CFP provides:
Evidence-based guidance for daily family practice
Reviews on preventive screening, chronic disease management, and patient safety
Research on mental health, women’s health, and community medicine
Updates on continuing professional development (Mainpro+ credits)
The publication is open access and indexed in PubMed, making it one of Canada’s most trusted medical resources.
Canadian Family Physicians – The Front Line of Care
Family doctors across Canada serve as gatekeepers to the health system.
They coordinate specialist referrals, manage chronic illnesses, and offer preventive services that keep communities healthy.
In Alberta, this includes annual check-ups, Pap smears, prenatal follow-up, childhood immunizations, and mental-health support—all delivered in local clinics and family practices.
Evidence-Based Care in Calgary – Dr Helen Dion
In Calgary, Dr Helen Dion exemplifies this evidence-based, patient-centred approach.
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh (UK) with certificates in Family Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine,
she practises at Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills and has published internationally on sustainability and governance in healthcare.
Dr Dion applies the same scientific standards promoted in the Canadian Family Physician journal—using research-backed methods to improve patient outcomes.
Learn more about her work at:
Recent Topics Featured in the Canadian Family Physician Journal
Articles published in 2024–2025 have explored:
Screening updates for cervical cancer and Pap test intervals
Virtual-care outcomes post-pandemic
Mental-health integration in primary care
Health equity and Indigenous community partnerships
Environmental sustainability in medical practice
Such research directly informs the work of clinicians like Dr Dion, ensuring local practices align with national standards of quality and safety.
How the Journal Supports Continuous Learning
The CFP offers Mainpro+ continuing-education credits for family doctors who engage with journal content.
Members of the CFPC can:
Access CME quizzes and self-learning modules
Submit clinical reviews or case reports
Stay updated on new Canadian preventive-care guidelines
These initiatives help maintain the high professional standards that define Canadian family medicine.
Family Medicine in Canada – Key Facts (2025)
Over 42,000 family physicians practice nationwide
Approximately 85% of Canadians have a regular family doctor
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) governs certification and professional development
The Canadian Family Physician journal remains the top-circulated medical periodical in primary care
Summary
The Canadian Family Physician journal represents Canada’s ongoing investment in scientific, compassionate family medicine.
By promoting research and education, it helps doctors like Dr Helen Dion deliver trusted, evidence-based care to Calgary families.
Together, these physicians embody the CFP’s mission—advancing health for every Canadian through accessible, community-focused primary care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is family medicine?
A primary-care specialty that provides lifelong comprehensive care for individuals and families.
How is family practice different from general practice?
Family medicine is a certified specialty emphasizing continuity and prevention; general practice is a broader term for similar care.
Do family doctors in Calgary accept new patients?
Yes — availability varies. Check Alberta Health Services’ “Find a Doctor” database for updates.
Can family physicians handle mental-health concerns?
Yes. Family doctors can assess, treat, and refer for mental-health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
