Ruth Kalda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with a family doctor, or a dedicated family doctor team, in Estonia. She argues this connection fosters accountability beyond episodic care, ensuring patients receive holistic treatment. A designated family doctor takes responsibility for a patient’s complete healthcare journey, encompassing preventative measures, ongoing follow-up, and the coordination of specialist recommendations. This approach promotes a sense of continuous care, rather than isolated interventions. Kalda highlights the value of these established ‘family doctor lists’ in providing comprehensive and responsible healthcare for individuals in Estonia. Ultimately, a consistent doctor-patient relationship leads to improved patient outcomes and a more coordinated system.