CCFP EXAM STUDY TIPS

We're not ovary-acting. Ovarian cysts are so last decade... plus they never really were an actual part of this diagnosis, anyway The old name for this condition is officially dead (well, being phased out); start using "Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome" instead. A massive global consensus report appeared in The Lancet on May 12, 2026 with the update and the 56 organizations that agreed to the change. This helps patients understand that their symptoms involve far more

Thanks to the UBC family medicine residents for hosting me at their site academic half day - got some great clips of fundoscopy for our upcoming video! -Simon Let's crush this topic! I've seen some patients in clinic with extreme pain from this diagnosis…and others are asymptomatic! A patient presents with acute back pain after simply turning in bed or sneezing. We looked at an American Family Physician article published in 2026 on this topic. The High-Yield Takeaway: Most fr

We had a blast at SRPC’s Rural and Remote conference! This event is always one of our yearly highlights, and we really enjoyed meeting you in person! -Simon and Paul A smear campaign we can actually get behind. Patients with a cervix will soon be asking for a swab every five years instead of three. This shift marks a major change in preventive health. The primary goal is to eliminate cervical cancer in Canada by 2040. The high-yield takeaways: Start screening at age 25. Prio

Honoured to have presented at the Manitoba IMGs Academic Half Day a few weeks ago and to have connected with such an incredible community. And to those who just finished the CCFP exam, what a milestone. You did it! -Simon Patients will soon be asking you for clarity on vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks, especially after a 2025 American Family Physician article updated our approach to these high-stakes emergencies. Bleeding amount ≠ seriousness. Abruption triad is rare. Antenata

What an amazing time spent co-teaching at UBC last week. It was pretty surreal being back in the same lecture hall where I went to medical school! -Simon Dad always said, "Take a deep breath," but for some neonates, that’s easier said than done. A 2026 American Family Physician article highlights that while 10% of neonates need respiratory support at birth, 5% require more than just a quick dry and stimulation. 10% admission rate: Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a lead

At some point over the past few months of preparing for the CCFP exam, things may have felt overwhelming. But you kept going. That matters more than anything. No matter how you’re feeling right now (prepared, nervous, somewhere in between) we're rooting for you. Best of luck on the exam, you've got this! -Simon and Paul Don't be a "heel"—wait for the swelling to settle. Your next patient may limp in after a weekend of "giving it their all" at the local pickleball court. A 202

Why We Are Selling Our $1,241 Course For $10 … one time only You may have seen an e-mail from us this morning promoting an exam prep course for $10 (usual price is $1241). Please accept our apologies for any confusion. It should be $10 (ten dollars). That’s right, it’s not a prank. And yes, this discount is available to all R1 and R2 residents enrolled in a Canadian Family Medicine residency program. If you saw our email this morning and thought it was an April Fools' joke,

With Vital FM Update in Toronto wrapping up last weekend, our spring events have officially come to a close. It was an incredible experience travelling across Canada and connecting with so many of you. We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again at Vital FM Update this summer! -Simon and Paul My brain has a plumbing problem, and it’s not the pipes you think. As the 2026 CMAJ article highlights, we need to rethink our approach to the "atypical" headache to consider

With just a few weeks to go before the exam, I know you are feeling the heat. I have taught a few resident groups in BC and Ontario this month and have heard how stressful it is studying for the 2026 Hybrid Exam. Hopefully the update below will give a boost to your studying, and keep up the good work! - Simon Wrist management that won't make you snap. As the 2026 Canadian Family Physician "Tools for Practice" article highlights, we might be over-treating one of our most commo

We're in Calgary this weekend for Vital FM Update, and the update below is one that we've included in our lectures. -Paul & Simon Fatigue. Brain fog. Poor concentration. Morning headaches. When patients complain they “just aren’t sleeping,” it’s tempting to reach for lifestyle advice. No, you can't just prescribe a louder alarm clock. For many patients, the problem isn’t waking up; it’s never getting restorative sleep in the first place. As a 2026 Canadian Family Physician ar

If your patient is hearing their own voice in "surround sound," it's time to talk about the tube. As a 2025 CMAJ article highlights, Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common but often mismanaged hurdle in primary care. Affects ~5% of adults Often follows infection or allergy Overlapping symptoms with TMJ dysfunction Before scrolling down, ask yourself: On a SAMP, which physical exam finding warrants an immediate referral to Otolaryngology to rule out malignancy? Most cases

Gluten-free: it’s everywhere! But just because you see it on nearly every restaurant menu and grocery store aisle, celiac disease is still underdiagnosed. In a 2025 CMAJ article, Celiac disease was highlighted as the most common autoimmune gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Global seroprevalence: 1%–2% Canadian incidence rising: 6% annually Classic GI symptoms: only 30% POP QUIZ: What itchy pathognomonic rash is associated with up to 17% of patients with celiac? The "class

Don't let your patient's muscles "ghost" them. As the 2025 Canadian Family Physician article highlights, we must look beyond the scale. Semaglutide averages 15% weight loss. Tirzepatide averages 20% weight loss. Lean mass loss is 24-40%. Stop & Think: Before scrolling down, ask yourself: On a SAMP, what are the two mandatory lifestyle interventions you must pair with GLP-1 agonists to prevent sarcopenia? We often celebrate a lower BMI, but rapid loss comes with a hidden cost

A "gland" new approach to screening. In 2025, we now have 23 years of follow-up data that changes the conversation about the harms and benefits of screening for prostate cancer… but the CTFPHC Canadian “Don’t Screen” guidelines were last updated in 2014. Your patients might hear about this in the news, and ask why you’re saying no to PSA. The data with longer-term PSA screening shows: Mortality risk dropped by 13% Absolute risk reduction is rising One death prevented per 456

Some Wheal-ly Great Advice on Chronic Urticaria If you haven’t seen it in your clinic yet, you will. With no explanation, your patent is suddenly covered in itchy, raised welts. Believe it or not, once it’s chronic, it’s NOT an allergy. According to a 2025 CMAJ article , chronic spontaneous urticaria affects up to 3% of the population and, while it is not a risk for anaphylaxis, it is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition that can be incredibly frustrating for patients

Calling all new Family Medicine residents and any Practice-Eligible folks gearing up for the new hybrid CCFP exam! On Thursday, January 29, 2026, we’re hosting a LIVE Zoom info session packed with expert insights and high-yield strategy. We've taught over 5,000 physicians about the CCFP exam, and we're giving away our secrets for free. Created and delivered by the team behind The Review Course — Canada’s Only Nationwide CCFP Exam Prep Course, this session is designed to give

Tingling thumbs, numb fingers, hand tinglies (say THAT out loud!) ... or a hand that just won’t cooperate? Your patients might be wrestling with carpal tunnel syndrome. From splints to surgery, here’s the latest evidence on what actually helps, and what doesn’t. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common mononeuropathy, affecting 1–5% of the population, more often in women, and caused by median nerve compression at the wrist. Symptoms include pain numbness paresthesia i

(Everything you need to know about the exam shake-up ... without the panic.) Big changes are coming to the CCFP exam, and whether you're writing in 2026 or 2027, the upcoming hybrid format means your study strategy needs an update just as much as your clinical review. We've taught over 5,000 physicians about the exam, and we've got your back too. To help you navigate exactly what’s changing (and how to prepare), join us on Thursday, January 9, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM PST

When it comes to hormones, prolactin doesn’t get much of the spotlight until it starts causing surprises like irregular periods, galactorrhea, or low libido. Here’s what to check, when to recheck, and when referral is indicated. Serum prolactin levels should only be measured when clinically indicated, such as in cases of infertility, menstrual irregularities, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained galactorrhea. Normal prolactin levels are under 25 μg/L in females

If you haven't seen a patient with Dengue in your Canadian clinic or emergency department yet, chances are that you will. And they may even show up on your exam - there's a CFPC Priority Topic (also known as The 105 topics) on Travel Medicine. Dengue virus, a mosquito-borne arbovirus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, infects an estimated 390 million people a year, many of whom travel back to Canada after becoming ill. Here ’s how to stay ahead of it, from diagnosis