From Cells To Community: The Journey of Dr. Philippe Smith In Family Medicine

Dr. Philippe Smith is a family practitioner serving at Anna Laberge Hospital and Clinique Le Trait D’Union. He holds an honors degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from Concordia University as well as his medical degree from the University of Montreal. Dr. Smith has built a career in family practice, which includes a residency at Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital. He has published his research on the future of family medicine and is known for his philanthropic engagement in his community.

How did you come to be in family medicine?

I have always been drawn to exploring why things work in the natural world, and I was granted the understanding to pursue solutions to these questions. Growing up, I was into animals, and that led to the natural progression of wondering how the human body functioned.

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, and my career path was further informed by my family physician, the esteemed Dr. Wagner. His impact on our community was profound, and I knew that if I could make even a fraction of that impact through my practice, I’d be satisfied in my career path. To this day, Dr. Wagner’s influence is felt in the way I approach patient care and decisions in treating patients.

What is a problem in your profession that you have identified and worked to solve?

In Canada, family doctors are confronted with complex patients and a lack of resources to meet their needs. We are constantly trying to devise ways to help these patients, and the lack of doctors and other medical personnel becomes a challenge in confronting the daily workload. I have made it my mission to improve working conditions for medical professionals while enhancing the patient experience within our healthcare system.

In this vein, I am active in the Federation of Family Practitioners of Quebec (FMOQ) and have worked with them to attract residents and young doctors to family practice. In the past five years, I have also enjoyed fundraising for this organization and helped to educate and enrich the experiences of our local family physicians via our local FMOQ (Fédération des Médecins Omnipraticiens du Québec) association, the AMOSO (Association des Médecins Omnipraticiens du Sud-Ouest), of which I am vice-president. I am also dedicated to the mission of the association, which focuses on having equal and adequate representation of GPs throughout the entire region of the south shore of Montreal. I am eager to collaborate on projects and initiatives and work with other local FMOQ associations as well. Change starts with listening to patient' concerns and representing their needs.

For new family doctors, what is your recommendation when starting in the field?

Don’t grow too fast, don’t chase the work. Let the practice grow with you. In approaching your work in this manner, you’ll develop your confidence and improve your skillset as a physician before taking on some of the greater challenges and other elevated aspects of family medicine. Make sure to cover your bases and surround yourself with other physicians that you trust. Trust is vital. If you have nobody to talk to and no mentorship, the path forward can be murky. We best serve our patients when we take the time to grow the right way.

What motivates you, and what does the future hold for you?

I find myself motivated by the relationships I’ve developed with my patients. As the years pass, there is a loyalty and bond that is built, and that motivates me to continue doing what I do. Looking forward, I’m focused on my clinical practice. In occupying the VP chair for the AMOSO, I’m eager to see what opportunities arise. I am committed to maintaining my focus on improving the work conditions of our local physicians and increasing recruitment across our region. With more events, meetings, and person-to-person contact with the association, growth, and reform for our doctors and the patient experience is possible.

Key Takeaways

• Your talents and interests are often important indicators of your future career path. We must foster a spirit of discovery and curiosity in our young people to help them build their ideal future.

• In today’s work landscape, it grows ever more important to build meaningful relationships with patients and advocate for quality experiences that best serve their treatment, recovery, and quest for health.

• Physicians today must look to the future and help pave the way for the next generation of incoming physicians. With a clear and defined path forward and the right support systems in place, recruiting quality medical personnel becomes easier.

• Mentorship and continued learning are key for physicians who wish to grow and develop. Engaging in structured mentorship and surrounding yourself with trusted advisors is vital to keeping doctors in the field and helping them grow a healthy practice.

• Remain active and involved—in your community and with professional organizations.

Dr. Philippe Smith and his commitment to family medicine and community well-being shines through his extensive education, practice, and active involvement in medical associations. He sets a prime example for upcoming physicians, highlighting the importance of building meaningful patient relationships, advocating for improved working conditions, and seeking mentorship. Looking ahead, Dr. Smith remains devoted to his practice, community engagement, and the cultivation of a supportive environment for the next generation of family doctors, ensuring a bright future for family medicine and patient care.