About TakingPatients.ca
Built by someone who's been on the other side of the search.
TakingPatients.ca was founded by Dr. Ocansey, an internationally trained medical graduate (IMG) currently awaiting residency placement in Canada. When Dr. Ocansey first moved to Canada, one of the most frustrating early challenges wasn't medical, it was administrative: finding a family doctor who was actually accepting new patients.
Like millions of Canadians, Dr. Ocansey called clinic after clinic, often getting outdated information, being placed on waitlists with no clear timeline, or simply never hearing back. Despite years of medical training and a deep understanding of the healthcare system from the inside, navigating it as a newcomer patient proved to be its own kind of challenge.
That experience became the starting point for this project. Dr. Ocansey, together with a small team, set out to build the resource that was missing: a single, straightforward place to see which clinics and doctors are currently accepting new patients, which offer walk-in care, and when — updated by the clinics themselves, verified where possible, and free for anyone to use.
“No one should have to call twenty clinics just to find one that's open to them.”
Our mission
Our mission is simple: make it easier for people in Canada to find primary care. Whether you're new to a city, new to the country, or just lost your family doctor to retirement, TakingPatients.ca exists to save you the hours of phone calls and guesswork that come with finding care.
We built this as a community-supported directory, not a substitute for medical advice or a booking service. Clinics and doctors can claim and update their own listings. Admins verify information where possible. And the public can help keep it accurate by submitting updates or flagging outdated information.
Why it matters
Real gaps, real impact
Millions of Canadians report not having a regular family doctor, and finding one accepting new patients is often the hardest first step in getting care.
Built from experience
Founded by someone who has personally navigated this exact search, not just studied it from the outside.
Kept current, together
Clinics, doctors, and the community all play a role in keeping listings accurate and up to date.
TakingPatients.ca is an independent, community-driven project and is not affiliated with any government health authority. Always confirm details directly with the clinic.