Op/Ed Toolkit for Family Physicians
About the Toolkit
Op-eds and Letters to the Editor (LTE) give you a powerful platform to shape public understanding of health care, influence policy, and bring clinical realities into public debate. The most effective op-eds and LTEs are focused, timely, and Grounded in both evidence and real-world patient experience. CAFP has developed this toolkit specifically for family physicians writing about health care–related topics.
What is an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor?
A letter to the editor is a brief response—typically 150–250 words—to a specific news article or opinion piece. These are designed to react quickly, correct the record, or add a perspective that was missing from original coverage.
An op-ed, by contrast, is a longer, standalone opinion piece—usually 600–800 words—that advances a clear argument on a timely issue. Op-eds are not tied to responding to a specific article; instead, they shape the conversation by providing context, analysis, and proposed solutions.
Why should family physicians write one?
Simply put, family physicians are uniquely situated to advocate for their patients. You are seen as a trusted source of information, have a professional perspective, and are uniquely qualified to turn patient stories into compelling narratives.
