Governance and Leadership
AFHTO’s Governance and Leadership Program equips boards, executive directors, family physicians leaders, and emerging leaders with the skills, resources, operational strategies, and confidence they need to navigate today’s complex health system.
Stronger Boards,
Stronger Leaders,
Stronger Teams
AFHTO’s Governance and Leadership Program equips boards, executive directors, physician leaders, and emerging leaders with the skills, resources, operational strategies, and confidence they need to navigate today’s complex health system.
GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE
Built in partnership with the Ministry of Health, this program helps teams strengthen decision-making, improve oversight, and foster the leadership capacity needed to deliver the best care to Ontarians.
1. Training for Effective, High-Performing Boards
- Tailored sessions for Boards, executive directors, and Board Chairs to strengthen accountability, decision-making, and system leadership
- Timely and focused learning opportunities on key issues such as contract implementation, policy changes, and system reforms
2. Practical Supports for Implementation
- Access to tools and resources that help leaders manage change and drive improvement
- Guidance documents on a variety of topics, including family physician engagement, accountability, and collaboration
3. Accelerating Knowledge Sharing and Sector Wide Solutions
- Curated and consolidated knowledge-sharing through case studies, webinars, and more to support consistent application across members
- Collaborative strategies that help reduce costs, increase efficiency, and free up resources for direct investment in leadership and operational improvements
Growing Leadership Capacity Through Mentorship
AFHTO’s Executive Director Mentorship Program supports leadership development in Ontario’s primary care teams. It pairs experienced executive directors with new executive directors who want guidance as they step into their role.
Executive directors and administrative leads are key connectors—linking staff, family physicians, boards, patients, and system partners. This program helps new leaders build confidence and skills through peer support.
Building Lasting Relationships
New EDs request mentorship and share areas where they need support.
AFHTO matches mentors and mentees based on geography, team size, governance structure, and other factors that reflect team diversity.
Mentorship typically lasts 6–12 months, with flexible meeting frequency. Many participants maintain close connections after the formal program ends.
Why It Matters
Good governance and leadership shapes how decisions are made, how resources are stewarded, and how accountable teams are to the patients and communities they serve. Strong leadership translates oversight into action – supporting high-quality care, safe patient experiences, and resilient teams.
The Governance and Leadership Program strengthens both the systems that guide teams and the leaders who bring those systems to life.