Endeavor FPN

Endeavor Family Practice Network FAQs

• What is a Family Practice Network?

  A Family Practice Network, or FPN, provides a mechanism through which a physician group can address common practice and patient needs, have a collective voice on issues facing family practice, and address local population health needs, in coordination with the Regional Health Authority (RHA).  The FPN structure is a physician-led, non-profit organization.

• What is the Endeavor Family Practice Network?

  The Endeavor FPN was formed early in 2018 and represents participating family physicians from St. John’s and area, Newfoundland. The name represents our vision for the FPN. Endeavor represents an “effort, and to take on a challenge and achieve a goal”. The reference is symbolic to the FPN, in that it provides a mechanism to support and achieve Family practice needs and pursuit of improved patient care.

• Why should I join the Endeavor FPN? What will it do for me?

  The Endeavor FPN will provide the family physicians with a structure and supports to address physician and practice issues in our local area. Through St. John’s and area physician consultations, the FPN has identified several priorities to start with, including:

  • Local proactive FPN recruitment & retention activities; locum sharing services, sharing of expertise;
  • Development of other offerings to improve family physician relationships;
  • Delivery of local wellness programs for physicians and their practices; Providing continuing professional programs
  • Implementing family physician-centric communication and collaboration mechanisms to address common priorities with Eastern Health; 
  • Identification, development of practice support resources to facilitate increased physician and patient awareness and access to Eastern Health community programs & services; and,
  • Work with the RHA to identify priority Consultant Service areas to focus on for improvement of Shared Care opportunities and patient access.

• Who can be members of the FPN?

  • Membership in FPNs is categorized into voting and non-voting.
  • Voting members will be practicing family physicians/general practitioners (GPs) who deliver the majority of their services in the geographic area (this includes locums) and who are licensed and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPSNL).
  • Non-voting members can be Medical Residents holding a full or educational license with the CPSNL, or a retired GP.

• Can salaried family physicians participate in the FPN?

  Yes, salaried family physicians can participate within the FPN, and we encourage participation to facilitate increased collaboration with your physician colleagues and other providers on common needs.

• This sounds like a lot of work. How will we do all of this?

  An FPN Manager will be hired who is dedicated to FPN Board operations, management, and implementation of all FPN priorities.

• How will patients benefit from all this?

  The Endeavor FPN will work with Eastern Health to address common health care goals and gaps in our local communities, contributing to improved population health outcomes. It will also provide practice and clinical support to family physicians, which will lead to improved access for patients.

• How do I become a member?

  Complete a simple application form available here.

• Who sits on the Endeavor FPN Board of Directors?

  1. Dr. Heather Cuddy, Conception Bay South, Chair,
  2. Dr. Francisco Acevedo, St. John's, Co-Chair
  3. Dr. Laura Fitzgerald, St. John's, Treasurer
  4. Dr. Annette McCarthy, Bay Bulls
  5. Dr. Katie Saunders, St. John's
  6. Dr. Paul Jackman, St. John's
  7. Dr. Sonny Collis, Torbay
  8. Dr. Maureen Gibbons, St. John's

• How is the FPN funded?

  Funding is provided through an annual operational budget allocation for administrative expenses such as the hiring of a Manager to run the FPN, and for administrative and governance services provided by the physicians who take on a leadership role. Funding is based on membership numbers.

• Where can I find more information about the Endeavor FPN?

  Contact any of the Board Members, or contactIan Hodder, Senior Program Consultant, with the FPRP program office. Ian has been working closely with the Endeavor Board and can be reached at: ihodder@nlma.nl.ca or (709) 726-7424, ext. 324.

  Please also visit our website at www.familypracticerenewalnl.ca.