The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has expressed concern over the持续 decline in the number of medical students pursuing residency in family medicine. According to the OMA, the number of unfilled family medicine spots has increased significantly in recent years, from 30 in 2020 to 108 in 2023. This trend is concerning as it suggests a shortage of family doctors in the province, which could impact access to primary care for Ontarians.
OMA President Dr. Andrew Park said, “The OMA is concerned about the declining number of medical students choosing family medicine.” He noted that the number of students looking at fields outside of family medicine is a growing issue.
The OMA gathered a group of educators from medical schools across Ontario to discuss the reasons behind the decline in interest in family medicine and potential solutions. The group identified several challenges, including:
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Administrative burdens:
Doctors spend a significant amount of time on clerical tasks, which takes away from patient care.*
Lack of support for clinical teaching:
Clinical teaching is essential for training future family doctors, but there is not enough support for clinical teachers in the community.*
Financial considerations:
Family doctors are not adequately compensated for training new residents.The OMA is calling on the government to address these challenges and invest in primary care. Dr. Park said, “By spending more on primary care, the province will save money down the road as patients will be able to get issues addressed sooner rather than later when they worsen.”
The decline in interest in family medicine is a serious concern for Ontario. The OMA is urging the government to take action to ensure that Ontarians have access to the family doctors they need.
