If you live in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, or Brampton, you may wonder whether joining a Family Health Team (FHT) or sticking with a solo practice doctor is best. Both models are common in Ontario, but they offer very different patient experiences.
This guide compares the two models, explains how OHIP funds them, and highlights what patients can expect in each city.
What is a Family Health Team (FHT)?
A Family Health Team is a team-based primary care model funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. It includes:
- Family doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Dietitians
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Other allied health professionals
The goal is to provide comprehensive, coordinated care, especially for patients with chronic conditions or complex needs.
What is a solo practice doctor?
A solo practice doctor is a traditional family physician who runs their own office, sometimes with a small staff. They are responsible for:
- Seeing patients directly
- Referring to specialists
- Managing all aspects of care coordination themselves
Many Ontarians are familiar with this model because it was the standard for decades before FHTs were introduced.
Key differences between Family Health Teams and solo practice
| Feature | Family Health Team | Solo Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Care providers | Multi-disciplinary (doctors, nurses, dietitians, etc.) | Doctor-focused |
| Appointment access | Sometimes longer waits, but broader service | Direct access to doctor, usually faster |
| Preventive programs | Strong focus (nutrition, smoking cessation, mental health) | Limited unless doctor refers externally |
| Continuity of care | Multiple providers can share your history | One doctor oversees everything |
| Funding | OHIP-funded, salaried/rostered model | OHIP-funded, fee-for-service model |
Pros of Family Health Teams
- Access to multiple specialists in one place
- Preventive care and wellness programs included
- Coordinated approach for chronic diseases
- Often more modern systems (EMRs, online booking)
Cons of Family Health Teams
- Can feel less personal — you may see different providers each visit
- Wait times for appointments may be longer
- Less flexibility in choosing your provider
Pros of solo practice
- Personal, one-on-one relationship with your doctor
- Typically quicker appointment scheduling
- Consistent provider familiarity with your history
Cons of solo practice
- Limited access to allied health professionals
- May require multiple referrals to outside providers
- Doctor availability can be reduced if they manage too many patients
Availability in your city
Burlington
Home to several FHTs linked with Joseph Brant Hospital. Patients also find long-established solo practices.
Oakville
FHTs are integrated with Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, while many neighborhoods still have small solo offices.
Mississauga
Large FHTs connected to Trillium Health Partners serve thousands of patients, but solo clinics remain common.
Hamilton
Known for academic FHTs tied to McMaster University, plus community-based solo practices.
Milton
A growing city with a mix of new FHT programs and family doctors operating solo clinics.
Brampton
One of Ontario’s busiest healthcare regions, where both large FHT networks and independent practices compete for patients.
Which model is better for you?
- Choose a Family Health Team if you want coordinated care and access to multiple providers.
- Choose a solo practice if you value direct, personal care from a single doctor.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your health needs, location, and personal preferences.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a Family Health Team or a solo practice in Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton, or Brampton, the most important step is to get connected with a family doctor who is accepting new patients.
👉 Register with doktr.ca to see real-time availability in your city.