“Our family feels like we’re part of a community here, and that’s important when you’re far from home,” says Vinay. “The Schulich FMTU has made our journey much smoother, and we look forward to continuing our care with them.”

Vinay and his wife arrived in Canada from India in 2023 and were faced with the challenge of finding a family doctor. Their friend recommended the Health Care Connect portal, which connects patients with available family doctors. After submitting their details, they were referred to Dr. Priya Sood at the Schulich Family Medicine Teaching Unit (Schulich FMTU) at Humber River Health.

The Schulich FMTU aims to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care while simultaneously serving as a training ground for future family physicians. Resident doctors, under the supervision of experienced practitioners, play a crucial role in delivering care, which allows for a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

Vinay’s referral was a relief, especially with his wife being pregnant at the time. They were also able to secure a referral to a gynecologist, ensuring comprehensive care for their growing family.

Vinay mentioned the initial cultural shock of the Canadian healthcare system, contrasting it with the system back in India, where family doctors are not as common. “In India, we usually go directly to a hospital to see a specialist. The concept of a family doctor was new to us,” says Vinay.

Their first appointment with Dr. Sood and subsequent consultations with lead Resident, Dr. Bilal Negash, were particularly reassuring. “From the very first appointment, our fears were all put at ease,” says Vinay. “Dr. Negash was really friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us through all of our concerns.”

“At first, we were a bit hesitant about seeing resident doctors, but we quickly realized how beneficial it was. The residents are enthusiastic, and they consult with their supervisors regularly. It’s like getting two opinions in one visit,” says Vinay.

Reflecting on their journey, Vinay expressed gratitude for the personal connection him and his wife has developed with their healthcare providers at the Schulich FMTU. “Having a doctor who knows us personally has really helped us transition into a new life in this country,” says Vinay. “Dr. Negash and the team have been incredible. They made us feel comfortable and well-cared for, especially during my wife’s pregnancy.”

This relationship not only eased their transition into Canadian life but also provided a sense of security and familiarity. As they continue to navigate their new life in Canada, the Schulich FMTU remains a pillar of support for them. “The continuity of care is something we really value,” says Vinay. “Our family feels like we’re part of a community here, and that’s important when you’re far from home.”

Stories like Vinay’s underscore the importance of accessible, empathetic, and continuous care, particularly for newcomers adjusting to life in a new country. “My family and I are grateful to have found such a supportive healthcare team,” says Vinay. “They’ve made our journey much smoother, and we look forward to continuing our care with them.”

*Photos have been changed for the comfort of patients and their families.

Help Us Expand Accessible Primary Healthcare

Humber River Health has made significant strides in improving healthcare access, but the journey continues. With your support, we aim to expand our reach and serve even more individuals in need. By 2026, our goal is to provide care to over 9,000 new patients through our dedicated team of residents and physicians. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can help us achieve accessible primary healthcare for everyone in our community. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at cmagisano@hrh.ca.