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Returning to Work

Job Accommodations: Role of Family Doctor

Updated Jul 29, 2019

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Your Family Doctor and Returning to Work

role of family doctor

Ideally, you will have a family doctor involved throughout your concussion recovery. The family doctor is the “centre” of your care circle, even if you see specialist doctors or other health care providers. Your family doctor plays an important role in the return to work process.

If you don’t have a family doctor, you can access care at a walk-in clinic. Try to attend the same one (ideally with the same doctor) as much as possible. It may be more difficult for an unfamiliar doctor to guide your return to work.

What to Discuss with Your Family Doctor?

  1. In most cases, when a worker has required time off due to illness or injury, the employer will require a doctor’s note indicating that the worker is medically cleared (or “safe”) to go back to work.

    When you feel you are ready to start planning to get back to work, it is important to consult your family doctor as a first step.

  2. If your family doctor agrees you are ready to consider returning to work, discuss your job demands in detail.

    Tell your family doctor about any duties you think may be challenging with your current symptoms (e.g. headache from computer screens, cognitive fatigue from multitasking). Remember, you don’t have to be “100% symptom free” to return to work.

Finalize a Plan!

Your family doctor will work with you to develop a plan for returning to work gradually. Follow the steps in the Graduated Return to Work module to ensure your plan is complete. Your doctor will incorporate any important recommendations from you and your care team - you know yourself and your job best!

Once the plan is finalized, you will provide it to your employer (HR or manager) to guide your gradual return to work process.

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