By Dr. Barb Konstantynowicz
Family medicine has been my passion for more than 35 years. I love the challenge of
providing care for my patients at any age and for any condition. My colleagues and I
call work “our happy place.” We have staff who have been with us for years. My
office is not unique; thousands of physicians across this country are the same.
We are now facing a global crisis. Each day we are learning more about the COVID-
19 virus. The uncertainty of this pandemic is affecting everyone. Saskatchewan’s family physicians are working hard every day to provide care for our patients. We are reaching out to you in different ways. Virtual appointments -- telephone calls and videoconferencing -- have become our new tools. We are learning to adapt, to keep patients safe, looked after, and supported.
In some cases, we still need to see patients in the office. We are taking steps to keep
you safe when doing so. We are limiting face-to-face visits to those patients for whom virtual consults are not an option. We are changing our office setup so you can walk straight in without having to sit in a waiting room. And we are cleaning our exam rooms after each visit.
What keeps me going every day is the same thing that keeps my physician colleagues going: you, the people we care for. I am looking forward to the day when I can see you again in the office. Health care looks very different right now. But we can all adapt.
Please know that the offices of family physicians across this province are open to provide advice, care, and support. Your doctors are there for you. Together we will get through this.
Continue following Public Health recommendations around physical distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face, and limiting your outings. You are helping everyone when you do and you’re actually saving lives.
And thank you to all the children who have put up paper hearts in their windows at home. We appreciate your support.
Dr. Barb Konstantynowicz is a family physician in Regina and is vice-president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association.
