Additional physician leadership opportunities

Policy & Advocacy team description

The Policy & Advocacy team is an operational team within the SGFP. This team executes and advises on policy development and advocacy activities that align to the strategic direction of the SGFP Executive.

Policy team member role and responsibilities 

The Policy team member responsibilities include: 

• Advising, designing, reviewing and executing Section policy and advocacy activities 
• Working with the SGFP executive and support staff to ensure appropriate representation of the experience and needs of Section members
• Work in close alignment with members of the Tariff and Digital Health Teams to advance and optimize mutual priorities
• Build relationships with the OMA Health Policy Committee and related supports to embed the family medicine voice into OMA policy
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to develop and reach policy solutions that meet the best interests of family physicians, patients, and the health care system
• Work within the SGFP executive-approved team mandate and terms of reference
• Fostering a positive culture that is respectful, civil, and collaborative

Reporting relationship 

The positions will work with the Policy & Advocacy Lead who reports to the SGFP CEO. 

Skills and background required 

• Demonstrated experience developing a policy
• Demonstrated experience with advocacy; advocacy for family medicine is preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Proven consultation, partnership building, and relationship management skills to establish key linkages on policy development projects
• Knowledge of existing government policy and strategic direction
• Ability to differentiate policies that impact family doctors directly, as well as those that align to SGFP strategic direction
• Ability to proactively identify issues that may impact the profession

All appointed members must observe and comply with the rules, procedures and policies established by the association, including but not limited to the member code of conduct and civility policy, the OMA privacy policy, respect and safety in the workplace policy, and any updates or future iterations of these. Copies of the referenced policies and additional relevant rules, procedures and policies are available online.

Eligibility

Vacant positions are open to all Section and General Family Practice members who: 

• Are an OMA member in good standing
• Are in good standing with the CPSO (e.g., do not have a CPSO license that has been suspended or restricted due to a finding of professional misconduct)
• Are not serving on any other OMA committees, panels, task forces or working groups that restrict eligibility to hold a constituency group leadership position or any other positions that may present a conflict of interest
• Have the combination of technical, interpersonal, organizational and political skills and knowledge required by the section to complete policy-related work successfully and efficiently

Term 

The term of office of the Policy & Advocacy team member is two years with the opportunity of one renewal (maximum two, two-year terms) and will commence immediately following the appointment. 

Please note that one of the three positions available is a mid-term vacancy and is available for a one-year term, with the opportunity of one renewal.

Time commitment

The team will meet approximately monthly for 90 minutes as well as two to four times per year in person with the SGFP executive and/or other SGFP teams. The monthly commitment is approximately three to four hours. Members will be expected to prepare for each meeting (material review). There will also be work outside of meetings as required to review policy and advocacy materials to enable policy development and activities. Policy & Advocacy team members will also be eligible to participate in the OMA General Assembly (GA) and Priority Leadership Group (PLG) meetings as an appointed PLG delegate in the spring and fall. These meetings are held over a weekend.

Remuneration

Members are compensated for their time spent in meetings and for work as required and approved by the Chair, according to the OMA’s Financial Policy regarding physician leader honoraria. Currently, this includes an hourly honorarium plus reimbursement for necessary and related travel expenses such as transportation costs, travel time, and accommodations. View the OMA’s Financial Policy for Constituency Group Funding for more information. 

Expression of Interest form questions 

• What interests you about this position? Please describe any relevant experience or skills you possess that would contribute to the success of this appointment
• What is your current level of knowledge and experience of health care policy, especially as it relates to family medicine, in Ontario, across Canada, and internationally? 
• Please describe one or two examples of current issues impacting the profession and how policy and advocacy can make a positive difference
• Do you have a broad knowledge of health care policy and/or advocacy and its impacts on physicians and patients? Please elaborate, highlighting any relevant experience in this area
• Ontario’s family physicians are diverse in their experiences and how various policies impact them. How would you ensure the broad needs of the membership are reflected in the section’s policy and advocacy work?

Interview 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the co-leads of the Policy & Advocacy team.

Evaluation process 

After the intake period closes, an evaluating team consisting of Section on General and Family Practice members will review all applications against a standardized scoring matrix. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the selection panel.

Applicant submissions are evaluated against a predetermined skills matrix. Other selection factors may include diversification of member demographics (e.g. gender and practice location), the presence of specific technical skills and the cohesiveness of the section executive composition as a whole. Currently, all applications undergo the same evaluation process, regardless of a member’s history with the association.

Members are encouraged to answer all questions as completely as possible, allowing the selection panel to assess your knowledge and skills fairly. SGFP members who may not be familiar with your work and experience will be reviewing your application.

The OMA is committed to diversity within its community and encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ2S+ and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Areas of competencies 

The below competencies will be measured in the answers submitted in your application form. Please try to reflect these measures in your answers.

Role and responsibilities  

• Understand responsibilities and accountabilities. Has experience with, or knowledge of, similar structures, processes and best practice

Stakeholder 

• Understand key stakeholders of the working group’s work and their needs. Has experience directly engaging these stakeholder groups in a relevant capacity

Technical 

• Experience and ability to think strategically by integrating or linking a range of internal and external factors impacting the business environment and the members
• Demonstrates aptitude for developing stakeholder relations and developing joint goals and initiatives
• Good understanding of the policy and advocacy environment in Ontario health care
• Ability to develop policies that are relevant, clear, comprehensive, communicated effectively, and can be applied with transparency and consistency
• Ability to participate in advocacy activities

Subject matter 

• Knowledge and experience in policy development and advocacy participation

OMA values and interests 

• Understands, supports and promotes the mission, vision, values and Code of Conduct. Demonstrates willingness to be a representative of the OMA, its policies and its positions

Communication 

• Gives and receives information with clarity, attentiveness, understanding and perception

Conflict resolution 

• Works to ensure conflict is resolved respectfully and inclusively in order to maintain healthy relationships

Growth mindset 

• Invests time in learning about the organization, its people, challenges and opportunities and the industry in which OMA operates

Leadership 

• Takes initiative in sharing ideas, making decisions and goal implementation. Assists others in engaging with a shared vision. Models the desired values and behaviours of their groups

Team player

• Demonstrates willingness to work co-operatively in a team environment

Application deadline: Sunday, May 11, 2025

Tariff Team member role and responsibilities

The Tariff Team member responsibilities include: 

• Managing, in collaboration with the Section Chair, Tariff Lead and the CEO, all matters relating to physician billing, fees, and remuneration, including preparation of documentation and information for submission to relevant OMA committees
• Understanding the diverse interests, needs and payment models of the Section membership
• Working with the SGFP Executive to ensure appropriate representation of the experience and needs of all Section members. 
• Representing the Section during physician services agreement negotiations and physician payment/fee setting processes, as directed by the Section Chair
• Work within the SGFP executive-approved team mandate and terms of reference
• Fostering a positive culture that is respectful, civil and collaborative

Reporting relationship 

The positions will work with the Tariff Lead, who reports to the SGFP CEO. 

Skills and background required 

• In-depth knowledge of tariff systems in the industry, including a good understanding of the OHIP Schedule of Benefits and primary care funding models in the province
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficient in analytical thinking and problem-solving 
• Proven experience or adeptness in negotiation 

All appointed members must observe and comply with the rules, procedures and policies established by the association, including but not limited to the member code of conduct and civility policy, the OMA privacy policy, respect and safety in the workplace policy, and any updates or future iterations of these. Copies of the referenced policies and additional relevant rules, procedures and policies are available online.

Eligibility 

Vacant positions are open to all Section and General Family Practice members who: 

• Are an OMA member in good standing
• Are in good standing with the CPSO (e.g., do not have a CPSO license that has been suspended or restricted due to a finding of professional misconduct)
• Are not serving on any other OMA committees, panels, task forces or working groups that restrict eligibility to hold a constituency group leadership position or any other positions that may present a conflict of interest
• Have the combination of technical, interpersonal, organizational and political skills and knowledge required by the Section to complete tariff-related work successfully and efficiently

Term 

The term of office of the Tariff Team member is two years with the opportunity of one renewal (maximum two, two-year terms) and will commence immediately following the appointment. 

Time commitment

The Team will meet at least monthly as well as three to four times per year in person with the SGFP Executive and/or other SGFP teams. Members will be expected to prepare for each meeting (material review). There will also be work outside of meetings as required to participate in compensation-related initiatives such as negotiations and OHIP fee-setting exercises. Tariff Team members will also be eligible to participate in the OMA General Assembly (GA) and Priority Leadership Group (PLG) meetings as an appointed PLG delegate in the spring and fall. These meetings are held over a weekend.

Remuneration 

Members are compensated for their time spent in meetings and for work as required and approved by the Chair, according to the OMA’s Financial Policy regarding physician leader honoraria. Currently, this includes an hourly honorarium plus reimbursement for necessary and related travel expenses such as transportation costs, travel time and accommodations for in-person meetings. View the OMA’s Financial Policy for Constituency Group Funding for more information.

Expression of Interest form questions 

• What interests you about this position? Please describe any relevant experience or skills you possess that would contribute to the success of tariff work on behalf of family physicians
• How would you describe your ability to work collaboratively in a team setting? 
• What is your current level of knowledge and experience of tariff systems/physician remuneration in the industry? 
• Do you have a broad knowledge of physician payment mechanisms and the Schedule of Benefits and its impacts on physicians and patients? Please elaborate, highlighting any relevant experience in this area
• Ontario's family physicians are compensated through a variety of payment models (e.g., FFS, FHO, FHN, CCM, FHG, RNPGA, etc.). How would you ensure the broad needs of the membership are reflected in the Section’s tariff work? 

Interview 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the co-leads of the Tariff Team.

Evaluation process 

After the intake period closes, an evaluating team consisting of Section on General and Family Practice members will review all applications against a standardized scoring matrix. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the co-leads of the Tariff Team.

Applicant submissions are evaluated against a predetermined skills matrix. Other selection factors may include diversification of member demographics (e.g. gender and practice location), the presence of specific technical skills and the cohesiveness of the Section Executive composition as a whole. Currently, all applications undergo the same evaluation process, regardless of a member’s history with the OMA.

Members are encouraged to answer all questions as completely as possible, allowing the selection panel to assess your knowledge and skills fairly. SGFP members who may not be familiar with your work and experience will be reviewing your application.  

The OMA is committed to diversity within its community and encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ2S+ and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

Areas of competencies

The below competencies will be measured in the answers submitted in your application form. Please try to reflect these measures in your answers.

Role and responsibilities  

• Understand responsibilities and accountabilities. Has experience with, or knowledge of, similar structures, processes and best practice

Stakeholder 

• Understand key stakeholders of the working group’s work and their needs. Has experience directly engaging these stakeholder groups in a relevant capacity

Technical 

• Experience and ability to think strategically by integrating or linking a range of internal and external factors impacting the business environment and the members
• Demonstrates aptitude for developing stakeholder relations and developing joint goals and initiatives
• Good understanding of the Schedule of Benefits
• Experience with developing recommendations for fee revisions
• Understanding of the various primary care funding models in the province
• Understanding of inter and intra sectional relativity

Subject matter 

• Knowledge and experience in tariffs, physician billing, fees, and remuneration 

OMA values and interests 

• Understands, supports and promotes the mission, vision, values and Code of Conduct. Demonstrates willingness to be a representative of the OMA, its policies and its positions

Communication 

• Gives and receives information with clarity, attentiveness, understanding and perception

Conflict resolution 

• Works to ensure conflict is resolved respectfully and inclusively in order to maintain healthy relationships

Growth mindset 

• Invests time in learning about the organization, its people, challenges and opportunities and the industry in which OMA operates

Leadership

• Takes initiative in sharing ideas, making decisions and goal implementation. Assists others in engaging with a shared vision. Models the desired values and behaviours of their groups

Team player

• Demonstrates willingness to work co-operatively in a team environment

Application deadline: Sunday, May 11, 2025 

Policy & Advocacy Lead role summary

The SGFP Policy & Advocacy Lead will provide strategic leadership to advance the policy priorities of the Section on General and Family Practice (SGFP). This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the SGFP’s policy direction and ensuring alignment with the broader strategic goals of the SGFP Executive. The Lead will collaborate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and government bodies to influence policies that enhance family medicine practice and patient care.

The ideal candidate will bring senior-level expertise in health policy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by family physicians. A pre-existing network of relationships with key stakeholders, including the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and external agencies such as the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) and Ontario Health, is essential.

Policy & Advocacy Lead role and responsibilities 

Strategic leadership 

• Provide leadership and guidance to the SGFP Policy & Advocacy Team to develop and execute policy initiatives aligned with SGFP’s strategic objectives
• Collaborate with SGFP Executive members, Tariff, Digital Health Teams, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive policy development
• Identify emerging issues impacting family physicians and proactively develop strategies to address them through policy initiatives

Policy development 

• Oversee the design, review, and implementation of policies that reflect the needs of family physicians and their patients
• Ensure policies are evidence-based, practical, and aligned with SGFP’s long-term vision
• Facilitate consultation processes with SGFP members to ensure broad representation in policy development

Communication 

• Communicate policy updates and outcomes to SGFP members effectively through various channels
• Serves as a spokesperson for SGFP on matters related to policy when required

Team oversight 

• Lead and mentor the physician members of the Policy and Advocacy Team to foster a collaborative and high-performing environment
• Ensure alignment between team activities and SGFP’s overall strategy

Expected outcomes 

• Development of impactful policies that address key challenges faced by family physicians in Ontario
• Strengthened relationships with policymakers, external stakeholders, and other healthcare organizations to advance family medicine interests
• Tangible improvements for family physicians’ practice environments and patient care outcomes

Reporting relationship 

The Policy & Advocacy Lead will report directly to the SGFP CEO and collaborate with the SGFP Chair. 

Skills and background required 

• Extensive expertise in primary care and family medicine health policy development; experience specific to family medicine is preferred
• Strong understanding of government policies affecting healthcare delivery in Ontario or Canada more broadly
• Established network of relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare organizations, and professional associations such as the OMA, OCFP, and Ontario Health
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy drafting and stakeholder engagement
• Analytical skills to assess policy impacts on family physicians’ practices effectively
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture

All appointed members must observe and comply with the rules, procedures and policies established by the association, including but not limited to the member code of conduct and civility policy, the OMA privacy policy, respect and safety in the workplace policy, and any updates or future iterations of these. Copies of the referenced policies and additional relevant rules, procedures and policies are available online.

Eligibility 

Vacant positions are open to all Section and General Family Practice members who:

• Are an OMA member in good standing
• Are in good standing with the CPSO (e.g., do not have a CPSO license that has been suspended or restricted due to a finding of professional misconduct)
• Are not serving on any other OMA committees, panels, task forces or working groups that restrict eligibility to hold a constituency group leadership position or any other positions that may present a conflict of interest
• Have the combination of technical, interpersonal, organizational and political skills and knowledge required by the Section to complete tariff-related work successfully and efficiently

Term 

The term for this position is three years with an option for renewal upon mutual agreement.

Time commitment

The estimated time commitment is approximately 15 hours per month, including meetings (virtual or in-person) as well as preparation or work outside meetings. 

Remuneration 

Members are compensated for their time spent in meetings and for work as required and approved by the Chair, according to the OMA’s Financial Policy regarding physician leader honoraria. Currently, this includes an hourly honorarium plus reimbursement for necessary and related travel expenses such as transportation costs, travel time, and accommodations. View the OMA’s Financial Policy for Constituency Group Funding for more information.

Expression of Interest form questions

• What interests you about this position? Please describe any relevant experience or skills you possess that would contribute to the success of this appointment
• What is your current level of knowledge and experience of health care policy, especially as it relates to family medicine, in Ontario, across Canada, and internationally? 
• Please describe one or two examples of current issues impacting the profession and how policy and advocacy can make a positive difference
• Do you have broad knowledge of health care policy and/or advocacy and its impacts on physicians and patients? Please elaborate, highlighting any relevant experience in this area
• Ontario’s family physicians are diverse in their experiences and how various policies impact them. How would you ensure the broad needs of the membership are reflected in the section’s policy and advocacy work? 

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the SGFP CEO and a panel of existing physician leads. 

Evaluation process

After the intake period closes, an evaluating team consisting of Section on General and Family Practice members will review all applications against a standardized scoring matrix. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in an interview (up to 30 minutes) with the selection panel.... Applicant submissions are evaluated against a predetermined skills matrix. Other selection factors may include diversification of member demographics (e.g., gender and practice location), the presence of specific technical skills, and the cohesiveness of the section executive composition. Currently, all applications undergo the same evaluation process, regardless of a member’s history with the Association.

Members are encouraged to answer all questions as completely as possible, allowing the selection panel to assess your knowledge and skills fairly. SGFP members who may not be familiar with your work and experience will be reviewing your application.

The OMA is committed to diversity within its community and encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of color, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ2S+, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

Areas of competencies

The below competencies will be measured in the answers submitted in your application form. Please try to reflect these measures in your answers

Role and responsibilities

• Understand responsibilities and accountabilities. Has experience with, or knowledge of, similar structures, processes, and best practice

Stakeholder

• Understand key stakeholders of the working group’s work and their needs. Has experience directly engaging these stakeholder groups in a relevant capacity

Technical

• Experience and ability to think strategically by integrating or linking a range of internal and external factors impacting the business environment and the members
• Demonstrates aptitude for developing stakeholder relations and developing joint goals and initiatives
• Good understanding of the policy and advocacy environment in Ontario health care
• Ability to develop policies that are relevant, clear, comprehensive, communicated effectively, and can be applied with transparency and consistency
• Ability to participate in advocacy activities

Subject matter

• Knowledge and experience in policy development and advocacy participation

OMA values and interests

• Understands, supports, and promotes the mission, vision, values, and Code of Conduct. Demonstrates willingness to be a representative of the OMA, its policies, and positions

Communication

• Gives and receives information with clarity, attentiveness, understanding, and perception

Conflict resolution

• Works to ensure conflict is resolved respectfully and inclusively in order to maintain healthy relationships

Growth mindset

• Invests time in learning about the organization, its people, challenges and opportunities, and the industry in which OMA operates

Leadership

• Takes initiative in sharing ideas, making decisions, and goal implementation. Assists others in engaging with a shared vision. Models the desired values and behaviors of their groups

Team player

• Demonstrates willingness to work co-operatively in a team environment

Application deadline: Sunday, May 11, 2025