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Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant: Who should I see, and when?

When you have a health concern, the vast number of options available to you may be overwhelming. While your first instinct may be to go to the doctor, it can often be a challenge to get a timely appointment for a non-emergency condition. Due to a shortage of physicians in Canada, many Canadians are still on the lookout for a family doctor. To address this shortage, government health organizations are delegating certain tasks to qualified medical professionals other than doctors. These other providers include nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician's assistants (PAs). However, it is still recommended to go to your nearest Emergency Department, or dial 911 immediately, if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

MD – Medical Doctor
NP – Nurse Practitioner
PA – Physician's Assistant

MD – Medical Doctor

MDs are health professionals who have graduated from medical school, and have undergone extensive training, including clinical practice. MDs include family doctors, general practitioners, and specialists. These medical professionals diagnose conditions, provide medical advice, order tests, and prescribe treatments. To ensure standards of care and to protect the public, MDs are regulated by their provincial college. You may consider choosing an MD when you have persistent symptoms that do not subside, to help you monitor/manage any ongoing conditions, or for advice on how to stay healthy. While doctors are there to treat you when you are sick, they can also help you maintain your health. To help you find an MD near you, see the Physician Search on this website.

NP – Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses that have completed an advanced health education program, along with supplementary clinical training. Depending on their area of practice, NPs may be able to conduct medical exams and screenings, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide healthy living advice. Similar to the various types of MDs, there are also several types of NPs, including primary health nurse practitioners, adult, or paediatric NPs. NPs will consult an MD should they get a case that is beyond the scope of their practice. They usually work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health centres, and are often the primary health care providers for a large number of Canadians. For more information on Nurse Practitioners, see the NP page on the HealthForceOntario website.

PA – Physician's Assistant

Physician's Assistants (PAs) are health care workers who have completed a two-year post-graduate specialized education, and who work under the supervision of a doctor. These professionals are accountable to their provincial college of physicians and surgeons. PAs focus on preventive health care, but also carry out certain tasks traditionally performed by physicians, including administering physical examinations, ordering tests, and assisting in surgery. Similar to NPs, PAs might work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health centres. While they do not yet play a large role in all provinces, more and more Canadians may soon be seeing PAs when it comes to their health concerns. For more information on Physician's Assistants, see the PA page on the HealthForceOntario website.

Key Websites:

• Canadian Medical Association: Understanding the role of nurse practitioners in Canada
• HealthForceOntario: Nurse Practitioners
• HealthForceOntario: Physician Assistants

Related Articles:

• Emergency Rooms, Walk-In Clinics, and Urgent Care Centres 
• Family Doctors vs. General Practitioners: What exactly is the difference?
• Hospitals: Understanding your access to quality care
• I’m Pretty Healthy. Do I still need to see a doctor?
• Periodic Health Examinations: Upgrading your annual physical

References