How do we get more doctors to practice in rural communities? This has been a long standing challenge in Canada — getting physicians to work where we need them — especially in provinces with large rural populations.
Although 20 per cent of Canadians live in rural communities, however only 10 per cent of the country’s family physicians practise in these areas. Access to doctors also becomes difficult since only three per cent of Canadian specialists practice in rural areas.
The shortage of physicians in many rural Canadian communities has been attributed to issues such as lack of access to teaching hospitals, less vacation time, demanding call schedules, and financial considerations.
According to a recent province-wide survey of physicians from the government, 74 per cent of physicians in Saskatchewan say they do not have the resources to treat their patients as effectively as possible and 60 per cent of doctors do not feel their health region consistently provides the highest quality of care.
These factors make it difficult for rural doctors to stay in their communities. According to another recent survey, one in seven rural doctors did admit that they plan to leave their community of practice within two years. Like anyone else, they want to focus on balancing their life, so they have time for other commitments such as their families, or volunteer efforts.
The job of a rural doctor can be quite challenging. They are committed to running their practice, and having available clinic hours. But in addition to this, many rural doctors also have to put in time at their local emergency rooms, or have to answer a call to the hospital at late hours.
This is why it is so important that patients respect the commitment of rural doctors. It becomes even more important to not mis-use the emergency room for ailments that are not emergency in nature.
There are many other options out there for patients who just need a quick answer, or a solution to their flu or cold-like symptoms. One of the quickest ways to get answers on health concerns is to call the new provincial health line 811. By using this service, a person can get information on their symptoms, and save a trip to the hospital if they are only a minor ailment.
There has been a lot of work from the provincial government and local municipalities to persuade doctors to work in rural communities through financial incentives, and by setting up medical school programs that focus on rural practice.
Representatives from rural communities have also developed recruitment strategies, including frequent participation at conferences and recruitment fairs that are held for medical students and physicians.
The creation of the Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan – also known as Saskdocs – and the formation of the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment Program (SIPPA) for foreign trained physicians has also been very successful.
Additionally, the government put in place the Rural Family Physician Incentive program a couple of years ago which also increased doctor recruitment.
But the work must continue. We must continue to address the issue, until more communities have access to proper medical support. We must also support the doctors who do work in our rural communities.
