Today was a cool day in primary care. It showed to me the power we can have as a community healthcare sector when we work together to our full ability to serve our patients. It showed me that the healthcare system can be rejuvenating when its focused on serving patients.

Story 1: A patient of mine with known kidney disease and stones called with new onset severe back pain. I ordered an urgent ultrasound at 11:30 am. We were able to have it completed at 1:15 pm with an urgent report back to my office by 2:30 pm!!!!

Story 2:A young patient of mine called yesterday with a concern that he "couldn't hear" and wondering if he needed Abx. I saw him in our drive-thru clinic today and considered that he may have sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

The audiologist saw him at 12:00 pm today and contacted me on her lunch to review the result and suggest that we send him to ENT for urgent intratympanic steroids as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and disability can be avoided with urgent treatment.

I advised her that I would call ENT and within 3 minutes of calling the hospital we were able to get him an appointment for an injection this tuesday and a plan to bridge him over the weekend. The patient was made aware of all of this and had his first dose of medication by 3 pm!

Story 3: A patient of mine suffered a laceration to their hand in 3 discrete locations. She was able to reach me urgently through our secure portal and I was able to see her after hours tonight for a lac repair saving an urgent visit to ED

Today was a proud day to be a family physician but even more proud to work among colleagues who created such a seamless and supportive experience for all of these patients! #ONPrimaryCareLeads #ONCommunityCareLeads cc: @celliottability