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The Ford government has promised to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor or primary care team by 2029 — and at last check, they’re making progress.

But are the patients most in need of a doctor being connected first?

A new study has found that Ontarians who lost their family physician face a higher risk of death — and that the risk is even higher for patients with multiple chronic health conditions.

Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon, the study’s lead author, says the research carries “crucial policy implications” for Ontario as it continues to link every resident to primary care. He is our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.