A recent CBC News article takes a deep dive into Canada’s doctor shortage and what can be done about it. Right now, millions of people can’t find a family doctor, and rural communities are feeling it the most. The good news? There are solutions. Here’s what experts say needs to happen.
1. Train more doctors
Canada simply isn’t training enough doctors. Medical schools need more seats, and residency programs need more spots. Offering tuition support or loan forgiveness for doctors who work in high-need areas could also help bring care where it’s needed most.
2. Make it easier for internationally trained doctors to work
Canada has thousands of highly skilled doctors who immigrate here but can’t practice because of complicated licensing rules. The CBC News article highlights the need to fast-track these credentials and get more doctors into the system faster.
3. Build strong health-care teams
Family doctors can’t do everything alone. Team-based care—where doctors work alongside nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals—helps patients get the care they need from a primary care team that knows them..
4. Cut the red tape
Doctors spend too much time on paperwork instead of seeing patients. Reducing administrative work and improving digital systems could give doctors more time to focus on care.
5. Support doctors so they stay in the system
Long hours, no vacation/illness coverage, and endless paperwork are driving doctors away. Creating better working conditions will help keep doctors in the profession and recruit new ones.
What’s next?
The doctor shortage isn’t going away overnight, but change is possible. By training more doctors, supporting international physicians, embracing team-based care and reducing bureaucracy, Canada can build a stronger health-care system.
Read the full article on CBC News: The cure? Solutions for Canada’s doctor shortage.