What happens at your first visit with a new family doctor

Your first visit is mostly about getting to know each other. It is a chance for your new doctor to learn your history, and for you to learn how the practice works.

Before the visit

After you apply at Kennedy Medical Centre, our staff call you within 48 hours to confirm your details and book the visit. If your previous doctor has your records, ask them to send a copy to us. Our staff can tell you how.

What to bring

• Your Ontario health card.
• Your medications. Bring the bottles, or a list with the name, dose and how often you take each one. Include vitamins and supplements.
• Recent results. Blood work, imaging reports or specialist letters, if you have them.
• Your vaccine record, especially for children.
• A short list of questions or concerns, with the most important one first.

What your doctor will ask

Expect questions about:

• current health problems and past illnesses or surgeries
• allergies
• health conditions in your parents, brothers and sisters
• smoking, alcohol, sleep, activity and diet
• your work and home life, where it affects your health

Your doctor may check your blood pressure, weight and other basics, and may order blood work or screening tests you are due for.

Registering with your doctor

At or around your first visit, you will sign a short enrolment form. This registers you as your doctor's patient. It is free, and you can leave at any time. Read What "rostering" means in Ontario for the details.

After the visit

• Your doctor will tell you how you'll get test results.
• Ask how to book your next visit. At KMC you book by phone at 905-459-4385; online booking is coming soon.
• Ask about virtual visits for follow-ups and renewals.

Our physicians and staff speak English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. If you'd be more comfortable in one of these languages, tell us when we call.