UEMO receives support from the Medical Council of Canada

UEMO has received support from the Medical Council of Canada towards the recognition of General Practice / Family Medicine as a specialty at the European level.

In a letter sent on 29 April to UEMO “in support of the advocacy efforts led by the President of the European Union of General Practitioners/Family Physicians” and signed by both its President and CEO, Dr Gordon Giddings and Dr Vivek Nair, respectively, the Medical Council of Canada said:

“In Canada, Family Medicine is formally recognized as a distinct and essential medical specialty. We recognize that Family Medicine is a specialty with defined competencies that must be acquired, assessed, and maintained following graduation from medical school. Family physicians undertake structured postgraduate training and certification processes that ensure they are equipped with the breadth and depth of knowledge, clinical judgment, and professional skills required to deliver comprehensive care.

Family Medicine is supported by well-established national standards, including accredited residency programs and certification through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). These frameworks ensure that physicians meet rigorous expectations and demonstrate competency across a wide range of clinical and professional domains, including prevention, diagnosis, management of acute and chronic conditions, and coordination of care. The recognition of Family Medicine as a specialty has been instrumental in strengthening Canada’s healthcare system. Family physicians serve as the first point of contact for patients, provide continuous and person-centered care, and play a critical role in improving health outcomes and system efficiency. Their scope of practice requires a unique integration of medical expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to community-based care.

We believe that recognizing Family Medicine as a specialty in Europe would similarly enhance healthcare delivery by elevating the role of primary care, supporting physician training and workforce development, and reinforcing the importance of comprehensive, longitudinal care.”

UEMO is extremely grateful for the support of our Canadian colleagues in our ongoing efforts to pursue the recognition of Family Medicine as a specialty in Europe, through its inclusion in point 5.1.3 of the Annex V of the Professional Qualifications Directive.