• Katherine Kortes-Miller and Keri-Lyn Durant.
• Associate Professor and Palliative Care Division Lead at the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont. kkortesm@lakeheadu.ca.
• Can Fam Physician. 2022 May 1; 68 (5): e161-e168.

ObjectiveTo explore physician experiences with medical assistance in dying (MAID).DesignAn exploratory qualitative research approach using thematic analysis.SettingSix communities in northwestern Ontario.ParticipantsTwenty-three physicians who perform, refer patients for, or are otherwise affected by MAID.MethodsOne semistructured focus group and one-to-one interviews, transcribed and analyzed thematically.Main FindingsThe legislation of MAID added a layer of complexity to the work of physicians in northwestern Ontario, as MAID requires physician leadership, knowledge, time, and careful implementation. Four themes were identified from the interviews that unpacked this additional layer of complexity: relationships, motivation, time and resources, and getting others on board.ConclusionThe logistics of health care delivery in northwestern Ontario communities are complex and layered, which contributes to the burden of physicians as they work to provide MAID.Copyright © 2022 the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

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