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Without a family doctor

How to cope when a GP isn't close at hand

Diane Peters,

Originally published in Today's Parent September 2008

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When Tamara Curnuck and her husband and twin daughters moved from Toronto to the small town of Kawartha Lakes, Ont., it was for a slower daily pace and gorgeous surroundings. And, as it turned out, no available family doctors.

The twins, now five, and their parents have become seasoned pros at putting in long hours at emergency room and walk-in clinic waiting rooms. “When you don’t have a family doctor, you almost feel disjointed,” says Curnuck. “When your child is sick, you feel helpless.”

Despite her frustration, Curnuck has figured out ways to get good medical care. And if you’re one of the 4.1 million Canadians without a general practitioner to call your own, there is a surprising amount of support out there that can help you keep yourself and your family well. Here are some coping strategies for making the best of life without a doctor.

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