Fostering relationships and building connections

[摘要] In my 25 years in family medicine, I have learned thatmost decisions are not made during meetings, butare made owing to the relationships and connectionswe forged long ago.My goal as this year’s College of Family Physicians ofCanada (CFPC) President is to connect. I aim to build andstrengthen the connections between the CFPC and itsmembers so that, together, we can further system changesto restore family medicine and stabilize health care forpatients. Moreover, I will do this by engaging in in-personand virtual conversations with members and primary careallies. I will ask questions and actively listen to the answers.“You’ve got to go slow to go fast” is a phrase attributed to the work of Dr Peter M. Senge, an expert inorganizational learning.2 The same applies to creatingprofessional relationships—it takes commitment, humility, and time. Healthy relationships set the groundwork for success3 and are important motivators: peopleare likely to feel more satisfied when relationships areestablished and maintained.4 By meeting, learning, andunderstanding each other, we can find common ground,invent better solutions, and create collective impact.

[学科分类] 卫生学