Tara Kiran

Contributor

Tara Kiran is a family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, the Fidani Chair of Improvement and Innovation at the University of Toronto, and host of the podcast Primary Focus. Episodes of Primary Focus published after May 1, 2026, are Mainpro+ accredited for one credit per episode. Find more details at www.primaryfocus.ca

21 Contributions
by Tara Kiran

Every jurisdiction in Canada needs a Primary Care Act

Just over a year ago, the government of Ontario passed landmark legislation that puts primary care – the care most often delivered by family doctors – at the foundation of the health-care system.
by Tara Kiran

What Canada can learn from Costa Rica’s primary care system

Costa Rica is a middle-income country that is achieving health outcomes that far exceed what its resources would predict. But what is at the heart of their success?

by Tara Kiran

We all deserve high-quality primary care. Help us measure how we’re doing

People across Canada have told us what they want in a better primary care system. This survey will help us understand how far we’ve come – and what still needs to change to make their vision a reality.
by Benoît Corriveau Mylaine Breton Neb Kovacina Tara Kiran

Challenges and opportunities for primary care and health equity in the age of technology

Even though health care in Canada is publicly funded, individuals with low incomes too often face barriers when it comes to accessing health-care services, which can adversely impact their overall health.
by Benoît Corriveau Mylaine Breton Neb Kovacina Tara Kiran

Examining Quebec’s primary care: Challenges, solutions and patient priorities

Despite some improvements, reports published in recent years suggest primary care in Quebec performs poorly compared to other Canadian provinces in terms of accessibility and coordination.
by Danielle Martin Amanda Condon Tara Kiran

Reimagining primary care

The primary care system needs to be restructured and Canadians want to see reforms that support continuous relationships with their doctor or health team Let’s not be afraid to act on their recommendations.
by Danielle Brown-Shreves Vanessa Wright Tara Kiran

Team-based care key to alleviating primary-care crisis

Primary care is in crisis and there aren't enough doctors to go around. Done right, team-based care can expand the capacity of family doctors to care for more patients.
by Maggie Keresteci Tara Kiran

Give me a primary-care provider who understands me

What do Canadians want in a primary care doctor? The OurCare survey results highlight that an ongoing relationship between a clinician and patient is key.

by Lindsay Hedden Michael Green Tara Kiran

Virtual care must be integrated into public system, not driven by profit

Virtual care is here to stay. But how it should be used and who should own the services are important to patients, OurCare survey shows.

by Thuy-Nga (Tia) Pham Tara Kiran

More than 6.5 million adults in Canada lack access to primary care

Results from the OurCare national survey estimate that more than one in five Canadian adults do not have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. It's time we invest in primary care.

by Tara Kiran

Virtual care is here to stay. But what are patients’ expectations?

As we redesign a better primary care system coming out of the pandemic, we need to consider the role of virtual care and what patients will expect.
by Tara Kiran

Join the conversation and help shape the future of family medicine

We know the family doctor shortage is a problem that's only going to get worse. But there's one solution that comes up time and again: We need to expand interprofessional teams.

by Tara Kiran

Take the survey: What are your priorities for primary care?

What trade-offs are acceptable to you? Do you currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner? How important is it that every person living in Canada has a relationship with a family doctor? These are some of the questions we ask in the OurCare/NosSoins nation-wide survey.

by Tara Kiran Danielle Martin

Cutting through the COVID confusion

Every day, thousands of Canadians are infected with COVID. But this isn’t March 2020. Due to mass vaccination and the particulars of Omicron, the majority of those getting COVID will not need hospital care. What Canadians do need is information, support at home and timely access to primary care.
by Tara Kiran Jeff Kwong Noah Ivers

Breaking down walls: Teamwork key to effective vaccine rollout
by Tara Kiran Rick Glazier

More Ontarians should have access to team-based primary care
by Tara Kiran Tara Kiran

Are Canadians too satisfied with their health care system?

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