Currently, millions of Canadians do not yet have a family doctor, and people are currently waiting long periods of time in emergency rooms and clinics for treatment. As a result, many people wonder where they can get the medical care they need.

So how do people need to ensure their health is taken care of when they don't have a regular primary care provider? There is no one-size-fits-all answer because an individual's health needs are complex and vary by factors such as age, family history, and chronic diseases.

However, the most important thing is not to give up looking for a family doctor. "We need long-term care to make sure the body doesn't get into trouble," said a Toronto family physician and director of the Canadian Heart Research Centre. "There are ways people can take care of themselves in the short term, but they should continue to look for a primary care provider."

"Even if you're healthy, you should see a family doctor because you don't know when you're going to get sick," says the community family doctor who works in Surrey, B.C.How do you find a family doctor who accepts patients?

Doctors say there are several ways to find a family doctor, as the approach may vary from place to place. Doctors recommend that people first ask family or friends if their doctor is taking in new patients.

If not, they recommend looking for clinics and doctors accepting new patients on the websites of their doctor's colleges or regulators in their area.

Many areas have provincial health lines, and calling 811 in B.C. and Alberta can also help people access health care in the community, Dr. said.Sometimes, provincial experts can also recommend a doctor who is willing to accept you as a patient, she said.

If I don't have a GP, when should I go to the emergency room?In the event of a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or excessive bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If in the past 3 to 6 months, you have experienced unexpected weight loss of more than 10 pounds, night sweats, blood in your stool or urine, or breast lumps, she recommends that you should see your doctor within two minutes.

Most provinces and territories have a 24/7 service that can advise on health issues and health information.

How to stay healthy without a family doctor?

There are many ways people can take control of their health while looking for a family doctor. The first recommendation is to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, whether routine vaccinations like the flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine.

Moms and grandma kept telling us to drink more water, wear seat belts, floss our teeth, stop smoking, get enough sleep, make more friends, and develop hobbies. All of these things can actually help with better health. Doctors say quitting smoking, weight control and a healthy diet are also important factors in good health.