Patient Recognition for
Patient Recognition for outstanding care
Each month, the OCFP is highlighting family doctors from across the province who were recognized by their patients for the essential care they provide.
Septmber 2025
Dr. Meera Chopra
Orleans
Dr. Joseph Yuh
Toronto
Ontarians turn to their family physicians when they are sick, or when something is not right, however, family physicians also provide proactive care, like immunizations and cancer screening, helping to keep their patients healthy.
As we enter respiratory illness season, family physicians across Ontario are speaking with their patients about the important steps they can take to protect themselves from illness.
This month, we are highlighting family physicians whose patients are recognizing them for the proactive steps they take to care for entire families.
Previous Monthly Recognitions
Dr. Meera Chopra
Orleans
I’m writing to express our deep appreciation for the exceptional care provided by our family physician, who has supported our family for over 13 years. Her attention to detail, unwavering empathy, and dedication to our well-being have made a lasting difference in our lives. What sets her apart is her remarkable memory for the nuances of our health history and her proactive approach in advocating for necessary follow-ups with other specialists. She consistently takes the time to explain medical matters with clarity and care, ensuring we are fully informed and supported in every decision. In 2016, our family experienced an unimaginable loss when our 17-year-old son—also her patient—passed away. During that painful time, she was a steady and compassionate presence, helping my husband and I navigate the profound physical and mental impacts of grief. Her empathy went beyond the clinical; it was truly human and deeply meaningful.
Dr. Joseph Yuh
Toronto
Doctor Yuh is an incredible family doctor providing care for my entire family. He understands the shortcomings of our underfunded health system and knows how to get the care that is needed despite those systemic issues. He is able to quickly help us the with the care we need with his enormous breadth of knowledge in all medical fields from helping us navigate the transition of pregnancy to caring for our first newborn to managing two children through a pandemic. He reaches out proactively to encourage early diagnosis through screening like mammograms. He exemplifies the importance of having a family doctor.
Dr. Jodie Brown
Toronto
Beyond working tirelessly with me for ten years to ensure I received the care I need; Dr. Brown has consistently provided the kind of reassurance, connection, humility, and kindness that has kept me safe and enabled me to thrive. She is collaborative, creative and empathetic. Dr. Brown regularly goes above and beyond to create a safe and comfortable environment, protect patient rights, and push for a better standard of care. As a direct result of her diligent care, attentive demeanour, and relentless advocacy, I have made it to medical school. My goal is to provide the same level of care in my future family practice as Dr. Brown has provided for me. I am here today because of Dr. Jodie Brown.
Dr. Haleh DoulatyariAzar
Thornhill
Since my family and I moved to Canada 12 years ago, Dr. DoulatyariAzar has been our trusted family doctor. Through every stage of our lives, she has been there for us, providing excellent medical care, guidance, and unwavering support. We are deeply grateful for her expertise and compassion, and we trust her completely with our health and well-being. Now that I’m in medical school, I aspire to follow in her footsteps and embody the same kindness and dedication that she has shown my family over the years. My family and I are truly fortunate to have her as our family physician.
Dr. Vivien Brown
Toronto
Dr. Brown has not only been my family physician for 35+ years; she has also been my kids’ doctor since they were born. She is always kind, thorough, and a trusted source of information. I value her expertise and her passion for health. She has a full career that includes teaching, writing books, interviewing with media, and making time for her patients. We are very lucky! Every Ontarian should have access to such amazing health care.
Dr. Adriana Dragan
Oakville
I met Dr. Dragan in 2009 when my husband and I first moved to Milton. At the time we were trying to have a baby which had been difficult for us as I have chronic health problems. Shortly after meeting her, I got pregnant. Since I was taking medications at the time, she promptly contacted SickKids to confirm that it was safe for my baby to continue taking my medication. Dr. Dragan’s presence and care during my high-risk pregnancy gave me the courage to overcome all the challenges I faced during this time. In the last 16 years every time my husband, my daughter, or I need medical attention, Dr. Dragan has been in our corner. Dr. Dragan is a champion for her patients and their healthcare every day. She is a hardworking, compassionate, and committed doctor who is also an incredible human being. We are very lucky to be under her care.
Dr. Cindy Goebel
Ancaster
Dr. Goebel has been my family physician for over two decades. She is truly dedicated to her patients and is always there when I have serious concerns and takes the time to provide personal counselling for issues I have. I am greatly impressed with her extensive, up-to-date knowledge and thorough analyses of my records in order to take the right course of action. Dr. Goebel is a true hero. We need more family doctors like her.
Dr. Sylvia Kaptein
Niagara Falls
Dr. Kaptein took over for our old family doctor 20+ years ago when he retired. Now, she cares for my entire family, including my late grandmother, mother, sister and her children, my children, and myself. She even offered to take on my husband. She is an exceptional doctor who really listens to her patients and helps to find the best possible solutions. She's helped me work through some difficult personal challenges and it has meant the world to me. Her empathy, kindness, honesty, and knowledge are amazing and appreciated. Having a female doctor, who is also a proud mother, makes talking with her about anything far more comfortable. She has referred me and my children to great specialists regarding our ADHD. She also referred me to a great obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies (when I was pregnant with my last two children) because of my diabetes. I cannot think of a single negative moment with Dr. Kaptein in all the years that she's been our doctor. She is a wonderful family physician who deserves recognition.
Dr. Daniel Toledano
Toronto
Dr. Toledano has been my family’s physician for over 30 years. He is truly amazing; he goes above and beyond, listens, and truly cares for his patients. The kindness, compassion and understanding he extends to his patients in his office, over the phone and during house calls is exceptional. We are grateful for all the big and small ways he continues to support us. Dr. Toledano is a true testament to the difference one person can make in people's lives and the community. We are grateful to him.
Dr. Joanne Barker
Welland
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Barker’s since 2008, and my husband has been her patient for three years. I am 88 years old, and life is not easy, but I have found Dr. Barker to always be so kind and patient, spending all the time I need to explain things. She is so easy to talk to. I trust her and truly feel uplifted when I leave her office. I feel very confident in her abilities, and she gives me the strength to carry on. A good doctor is very important for us in our senior years. I feel very lucky to call Dr. Barker my family doctor.”
Dr. Monica Carter
Strathroy
“Dr. Carter has treated my elderly mother for over six years, and her care, compassion, empathy, professionalism and dedication has been extraordinary. Dr. Carter manages her practice with exemplary leadership skills and is an asset to every patient she treats. This doctor goes above and beyond for her patients. Dr. Carter has cornered the market on all we value as patients. No words could possibly express our gratitude for the kind, quality care she has provided to our family. Thank you for the opportunity to nominate such a skilled and deserving physician.”
Dr. Amy Freedman
Toronto
“Dr. Freedman has been an exceptional family physician and a true godsend for nearly two decades. Her compassionate approach to healthcare is evident in her gentle demeanor, patience and attentive listening skills. She consistently demonstrates a genuine concern for her patients and is always open to questions, making her an outstanding caregiver. Recently, Dr. Freedman also took on the role of caregiver for my elderly mother, showcasing her dedication to family health. She goes above and beyond to ensure her patients feel supported, offering care and guidance during times of need. It’s remarkable how she manages to balance everything so seamlessly. Both my mom and I are incredibly grateful for Dr. Freedman’s sincerity, medical knowledge and unwavering support.”
Dr. Jordache McLeod
Kitchener
“As an 80-year-old woman, Dr. McLeod has provided excellent care for my chronic disorders and is extremely compassionate and knowledgeable. I feel so much better just after seeing her. She always goes the extra mile, and always makes the time needed for complex issues. I am so fortunate to have her in my life!”