Focus training on meeting public’s needs
Priority should be on finding doctors passionate about doing jobs that need to be done
Re: Physicians get paid well, but jobs may be hard to come by, Dec. 31
I agree physicians ought to be paid well in respect of their high- level skills and responsibility; and I appreciate the frustration and disappointment that may arise for someone unable to find the job of their dreams after significant education. I further recognize the role of the Canadian Medical Association to support its members in achieving their goals. But we must keep in mind that the health care system exists to provide essential services to the Canadian public and is funded by our taxes to do so. Notwithstanding that medical school graduates have funded their living expenses and some of their educational costs privately, the majority of education funding is public and the goal of the system ought to be to provide services based on the needs of the community.
Newspapers repeatedly report on the lack of family physicians. After personally receiving more than 20 years of excellent service from my family physician, she is scaling back her practice and is unable to find a younger physician to take over. I face the daunting task of finding a new family physician in a growing community and I am told I may need to go to walk- in clinics.
This is unsatisfactory as these clinics do not hold my medical records nor provide an opportunity to develop a relationship with a physician who is then able to assess my needs based on knowing my detailed medical history.
The health care system is a public service, not a private employment agency.
We need doctors passionate about doing the jobs that need to be done. I suggest medical schools revamp admissions requirements and screen applicants based not only on academic marks but their interests in serving the public. Why are 50 orthopedic surgical residencies funded when there are no jobs for these people? Educators, professional associations, service providers and government must create balance in educating health care professionals to meet community needs. That, after all, is why we pay our taxes and support this complex system. SUSAN IRWIN New Westminster