You have a family doctor who you are signed up with. You can't signup with another without losing your family doctor. You can't just go see any doctor. They have to decide to take you. Then if you are lucky you get a referral for a year later. You do have places you can walk in but there ability to refer is much lower.

In the USA you literally shop around. They advertise. You can literally look for the best surgeon and ask around.

How do you find the "best" surgeon in the US? There is massive information asymmetry, and little repeat business, so it is a perfect market for lemons.

I guess I don't see why your family doctor won't be open to referring you to another specialist. My experience was probably not normal in Canada since my parents are doctors.