Public-private medical mix raises issues

Re: Medical mess: MD grads, specialists untrained and jobless, June 15

I have personal experience which illustrates both issues of trained specialists unable to get hired and the crossover of private/public medical practice.

Nearly four years ago I was given a referral by my family physician (yes, I’m lucky to have one), for sinus-related issues, to see a prominent ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist in Vancouver. That wait was around six months.

At the first consultation meeting, a CT scan determined an irregularity that could be corrected. I was told the wait for surgery would be at least two years, but that I could have it done privately, by this same ENT specialist at the Cambie St. Clinic for about $6,000. I declined the private surgery option and said I would wait.

After almost two years of waiting, the office of this specialist phoned to say I had been taken off the waiting list because I wasn’t an emergency. Some months later I have been referred to another ENT specialist, meaning of course months and likely years before any interventions will materialize. Would I have gotten the surgery within the public health care system if there were more ENT specialists available? Is it a conflict of interest for a surgeon, or other medical specialist, working in a public hospital, to offer his or her own private services? My experience and no doubt that of many others, indicate systemic issues regarding shortages of medical specialists and the conflicts surrounding public/private medical practices. Where does the competent leadership trail lead to?

MARGARET ENDERSBY

Langley