The Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at Lakeridge Health serves as a vital link between primary/community care and acute care. By fostering collaboration between primary care providers and Lakeridge Health’s specialty services, the DFCM works to advance Lakeridge Health’s vision of One System. Best Health. and promote an inclusive and equitable health care system. Our goal is to enhance health system performance and ensure that every patient, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to well-coordinated, high-quality, culturally sensitive care.
Our History
The DFCM was born from the collaborative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the need for stronger coordination across health sectors. The crisis highlighted the efficiency with which acute and primary care came together to share resources and expertise, ensuring the best possible care for patients. This spirit of collaboration continues to drive us forward.
Our Partners
The DFCM operates within Lakeridge Health and is embedded in the Primary Care Network of the Durham Ontario Health Team (OHT). The Durham OHT is a collaborative partnership of health–care organizations and, patient and family advisors, working to improve access to coordinated health services across the care continuum. This includes primary care providers, hospitals, mental health and addiction services, home and community care, social support services, and long-term care providers. Our The role of the DFCM is to act as the bridge between hospital care and community-based care.
We are also proud partners with the Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program. This innovative first-of-its-kind in Canada program is designed to train new family physicians in Durham Region, helping to address the critical shortage of these physicians.
Our Future
The DFCM envisions a future where Durham Region has a fully integrated health–care system that unites acute and primary care. Our vision is to establish a “medical neighbourhood” model, where each patient and their primary care provider are at the centre of their care, surrounded by a team of health–care professionals providing comprehensive support.
Currently, most primary care providers in Durham Region work independently or in small groups, often without easy access to allied health professionals. Our goal is to ensure every patient has access to a team-based model of care close to home, much like schools serve each neighborhood. By building a foundation of equitable access to services, we aim to make this vision a reality for all patients across Durham Region.
Benefits to Primary Care Providers (PCPs) in Joining the DFCM
- Group Buying Power
- Average savings of 14% on medical and office supplies.
- Group discounts on software.
- Partnered request for proposals (RFPs) for electronic medical records (EMRs) and support products.
- Enhanced Communication and Connection
- Secure email with a custom domain (@youroffice.ca).
- Access to collegial advice through a WhatsApp chat group.
- Regular newsletters with important updates.
- Direct feedback channels with Lakeridge Health for referrals, process improvements, and more.
- Lakeridge Health Affiliate Benefits
- Seamless communication with the organisation.
- Active participation in feedback loops to improve care delivery.
- Practice Resources and Tools
- Support for technology needs.
- Regular updates and advice from peers in the region.
- Education opportunities.
Dr. Joel Kennedy
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Shannon Bourke
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Join Us
Become part of our mission to create an integrated system of care in Durham Region. Register here.
