Dr. Justin Weresch is an Academic Family Physician at McMaster Family Practice, one of the teaching units in the Department of Family Medicine’s Residency Program. He started small group learning with FMPE in residency and continues to attend meetings as a group member. Dr. Weresch was appointed Chair of the Board in October 2024.
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey with FMPE—when you joined, how your involvement evolved, and what led you to the Board and eventually the Chair role?
Absolutely. I was first introduced to FMPE in 2014 as a resident, and then continued as a member when I began independent practice in 2016. A few years later, I joined the board. That opportunity came when the previous McMaster Representative board member completed their term and encouraged me to consider it. At that point in my academic career, it felt like a unique and exciting step.
What really drew me in was FMPE’s focus on accessible, clinically relevant, evidence-based content. Clinically relevant knowledge translation is an academic interest of mine, and FMPE exemplifies the kind of work that directly supports front-line clinical care.
Once on the Board, I gained a much deeper appreciation for how much care and rigour go into developing each module. I’d always been impressed by the final product, but seeing the behind-the-scenes process—the iterations, the level of detail, the efficiency of a small but mighty team—was inspiring.
When I was asked to consider becoming Chair, after some reflection, I recognized that my academic journey, primarily through McMaster, would give me a distinct perspective—one that complements the experience of past Chairs and helps provide a broad and varied voice on the Board.
Q: This feels like an exciting time for FMPE. What excites you most as you look ahead?
Expansion is a big theme that’s come up at board meetings. Not just into other groups within family medicine—i.e. PAs and NPs and the schools that train them—but also internationally. It’s exciting to see our work being recognized and used globally, including in Europe.
Another significant shift has been how we present and promote ourselves. When I joined as a resident, FMPE didn’t really have a marketing presence from my perspective. We weren’t on social media, and we didn’t actively share or celebrate our successes. That’s changed. For example, our involvement in the FMF conference last year was a significant moment. I am also excited that we will present again this year in Winnipeg.
Q: What do you think about our outreach to residency programs?
I think it’s fantastic. Residency outreach is an untapped opportunity, and with the current state of family medicine, it’s more important than ever to engage future doctors early. Not just for our sustainability, but because I genuinely believe FMPE is a powerful clinical tool that helps digest the literal deluge of research available at our fingertips.
Modules can help residents and late-career physicians feel more confident in handling real-world clinical situations.
Q: One concept that comes up often is the idea of FMPE groups providing a ‘safe space’ for sharing and learning. What are your thoughts on that?
I couldn’t agree more. That sense of community—of shared experience—is incredibly powerful. My training at McMaster emphasized small-group, case-based learning. In residency, we had a session called Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences every Wednesday, no matter what rotation we were on. It brought us together to discuss difficult cases, emotional experiences, and the human side of medicine.
That model created a strong community of practice, and I see FMPE’s groups as a continuation of that. For physicians working in smaller or more isolated practices, the ability to regularly connect with like-minded peers is invaluable. It’s not just about professional development—it’s about belonging, reflection, and growth in a supportive environment. That’s a benefit we all feel, even if it isn’t always named explicitly.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Personally, I really value the flexibility FMPE now offers. I can still follow along with my group even if I have to miss a session. Tonight, for example, my wife is attending a restaurant opening, and I’m doing school pickups, hockey, dinner, etc., with our kids—so I’ll miss my group meeting. But I’ll still go through the module on my own. While I’ll miss the camaraderie and discussion, I won’t miss out on the learning. That kind of accessibility is a game-changer.
As I look ahead in my role as Chair of the FMPE Board, I feel genuinely energized by the path we’re on. We’re expanding our reach, diversifying our membership, embracing innovation, and finding new ways to connect with learners across the country—and beyond.
The work we do is meaningful, practical, and deeply rooted in community, which makes it incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to continue supporting our members, building new partnerships, and strengthening the organization’s foundation so that we remain a trusted, evolving resource for clinicians at every stage of their careers. The future feels full of opportunity, and I’m proud to be part of it.
