Quebec Family Doctor Shortage 2025: How to Find and Register

Quebec is facing a growing shortage of family doctors, making it challenging for residents to access primary healthcare. Family physicians play a crucial role in managing general health, chronic conditions, and preventive care. However, long wait times and limited availability have become common issues in 2025.

Understanding how to find a family doctor, register efficiently, and explore alternative healthcare options is essential for residents, newcomers, and families. This guide outlines practical steps, tips, and resources for navigating Quebec’s family doctor shortage.

Why Quebec Faces a Family Doctor Shortage

Several factors contribute to the shortage:

1. Growing Population: Quebec’s increasing population has outpaced the number of available family doctors.

2. Retirement of Physicians: Many experienced doctors are retiring, reducing the workforce.

3. Urban-Rural Disparity: Smaller towns and rural areas struggle more to attract family physicians, while cities may have long waitlists.

4. High Patient Load: Existing doctors often manage hundreds of patients, limiting their ability to accept new ones.

5. Limited Medical Graduates: While Quebec trains new physicians, not all graduates choose family medicine or stay in the province.

How to Find a Family Doctor in Quebec

Finding a family doctor requires persistence and knowledge of available resources:

1. Use the Guichet d’accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF):

   • Quebec’s official registry connects patients with doctors accepting new patients.

   • Register online or by phone to join the waiting list.

2. Check Local CLSCs (Centres locaux de services communautaires):

   • CLSCs provide primary care services and may help residents connect with family doctors in their region.

3. Ask for Referrals:

   • Friends, neighbors, or coworkers may know doctors currently accepting patients.

4. Private Clinics:

   • Some private clinics offer family doctor services for a fee, providing quicker access but not publicly funded care.

5. Consider Walk-In Clinics:

   • While not a long-term solution, walk-in clinics can provide temporary care for non-emergency needs while waiting for a family doctor.

How to Register with a Family Doctor

Once you find a doctor, registration usually involves:

1. Providing Personal Information:

   • Full name, date of birth, address, and contact details.

2. Health History:

   • Share medical history, allergies, medications, and past treatments.

3. RAMQ Health Card:

   • Proof of Quebec health insurance is required to access public services.

4. Confirmation and Waiting Period:

   • Some doctors may have a waiting period before accepting new patients. Ensure you get confirmation of your registration and estimated start date.

Tips for Managing Healthcare While Waiting

While waiting for a family doctor, residents can take steps to maintain healthcare access:

1. Use Walk-In Clinics Strategically:

   • Schedule appointments early in the day and for less urgent issues.

2. Telehealth Services:

   • Quebec offers virtual consultations for certain conditions, reducing the need for in-person visits.

3. CLSC Services:

   • CLSCs provide preventive care, vaccinations, and some chronic disease management.

4. Emergency Care:

   • For urgent or life-threatening situations, go to the emergency department or call 911.

5. Keep a Health Record:

   • Maintain a file of your medical history, medications, and previous treatments for continuity of care once a family doctor is available.

Special Considerations for New Residents

Newcomers to Quebec face additional challenges in securing a family doctor:

• Language Barrier: French proficiency is often preferred; some clinics provide bilingual services.

• Documentation: Ensure RAMQ health card and immigration papers are ready for registration.

• Early Registration: Register with GAMF or local CLSC as soon as possible upon arrival.

Government Initiatives to Address the Shortage

The Quebec government has introduced measures to reduce the family doctor shortage:

• Increasing the number of medical school seats with a focus on family medicine.

• Incentives for doctors to practice in rural or underserved regions.

• Expansion of team-based primary care clinics where nurse practitioners assist family doctors.

• Streamlining online platforms like GAMF for faster patient-doctor matching.

These initiatives aim to improve access and reduce wait times for residents across the province.

Final Thoughts

Quebec’s family doctor shortage remains a challenge in 2025, but residents can take proactive steps to secure care. Using official registries, local health centers, walk-in clinics, and telehealth services helps bridge the gap while waiting for a family doctor.

Being informed, persistent, and prepared ensures that you and your family maintain access to essential healthcare services, even in a competitive environment.