February Reflections

"It’s about the essential everyday leadership you provide."

To My Colleagues: 

The beginning of the year always feels like a bit of a "reset" button, doesn't it?  We’re all juggling the usual post-holiday surge, navigating the latest clinical guidelines, and trying to keep our heads above water. 

But as we settle into 2026, I’ve been thinking a lot about the weight we’re all carrying here in Ontario. Let’s be real: between the administrative burden, the complexity of our patient panels, and the feeling that the system is constantly shifting under our feet, it’s easy to feel like our primary job is to simply survive. 

In that environment, it’s tempting to stay quiet. I see it often—a colleague holds back in a meeting despite having the solution, or a family doctor defers to a specialist on a topic they know better because we’re just... tired. We second-guess our seat at the table when we shouldn't. 

Why Your Voice has Power 

The truth is that leadership isn’t just about sitting on a provincial board or giving a keynote. It’s about the essential everyday leadership you provide.



• The "Two-Minute" Win: You know that moment when a patient comes in spiralling over something they read on social media? Within two minutes, you’ve cut through the noise and grounded them. That clarity as a Family Physician is a form of leadership. 

• The System Reality Check: You see the gaps in Ontario’s healthcare system first-hand. You see where the referrals fall through and where the community supports are lacking. Nobody else has that 360-degree view. 

The Ask: Speak Up, Even if it’s Messy 

We need leadership in both the big policy shifts and the small hallway moments. Our patients, our communities, and our fellow doctors need us to be heard. Not for polished speeches, but for the raw, practical insight you get from being in the room. 

So, for 2026, let's make a pact. 

When you see a conversation that needs a family doctor’s perspective—whether it’s in the lunchroom, a team huddle, or a provincial consultation—don’t wait for the perfect words. Just add what you know.  

Your expertise is valid, and right now, it’s more necessary than ever. 

— Sundeep 

Family Doctor & Clinical Director, CarePoint Health