Family medicine is the heart of Canada’s healthcare system—a specialty focused on continuity, prevention, and holistic care for patients of all ages.
This guide from Calgary Health Review explains what family practice means, how it differs from general practice, and where to find leading family medical centres in Calgary.
What Is Family Practice?
Family practice refers to the branch of medicine that delivers comprehensive care to individuals and families, managing everything from routine check-ups to complex chronic conditions.
Family physicians are trained as generalists—able to diagnose, treat, and coordinate care across all body systems and life stages.
A family doctor may provide:
Annual physicals and preventive screening
Prenatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric care
Mental-health and lifestyle counselling
Immunizations and travel medicine
Chronic-disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
Coordination of specialist referrals
Family Medicine vs General Practice
| Family Medicine (Specialty) | General Practice (Traditional) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | 2-year residency after MD, certified by CFPC | Older pathway (phased out in Canada) |
| Scope | Preventive, chronic, community care | Similar, less structured education |
| Certification | CCFP – College of Family Physicians of Canada | Legacy provincial licence |
| Approach | Evidence-based, patient-centred | Variable |
Today, all new Canadian family doctors complete formal residency training through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
Dr Helen Dion – Calgary Family Physician
👉 Dr Helen Dion – Calgary Family Doctor
Practising at Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills,
Dr Dion offers modern family medicine grounded in compassion and research.
Her clinical focus includes:
Preventive health and annual exams
Women’s wellness – Pap tests, contraception, menopause management
Mental-health counselling and lifestyle care
Pediatric and adolescent medicine
Chronic-disease monitoring
She also co-authored research on corporate governance and sustainability in healthcare, linking clinical practice with leadership innovation – see Projacs.ca Profile.
Family Medical Centres & Clinics in Calgary
Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hills – full-service family practice accepting new patients.
South Health Campus Family Practice – multidisciplinary AHS facility.
Evergreen Family Medical Centre – chronic-care programs and virtual visits.
Northgate Family Practice Clinic – NE Calgary team practice.
Lakeview Family Doctors – long-standing community-based clinic.
These clinics rank highly under searches such as family medicine Calgary, clinic family practice, and family medical centre Calgary.
Why Family Medicine Matters
Family doctors provide continuity—the same physician follows you throughout life, improving preventive outcomes and trust.
Benefits include:
Early detection of disease
Ongoing chronic-care coordination
Personalized lifestyle planning
Reduced hospital visits
Whole-family health perspective
As generalist doctors, they connect every aspect of patient care within one relationship.
Family Medicine in Canada – Education & Certification
Becoming a family physician involves:
4 years of medical school
2 years of family-medicine residency
Certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Continuous professional development (Mainpro+ credits)
The Canadian Family Physician Journal publishes current research and clinical updates guiding this practice.
Choosing the Right Family Practice
When selecting a family clinic:
Verify the doctor is accepting new patients via Alberta Find a Doctor.
Prioritize locations offering full-spectrum services.
Look for continuity – same physician, same team.
Read patient insights on Calgary Health Review – Best Family Doctors Calgary.
Summary
Family practice represents the cornerstone of Canadian medicine—continuous, preventive, and deeply personal.
Whether you need yearly check-ups or ongoing management, clinics like Pinnacle Medical Centres – Trinity Hillsled by physicians such as Dr Helen Dion offer trusted, patient-centred care for Calgary families.
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.
