The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is expressing concern over the declining number of medical school graduates pursuing family medicine, which could worsen the province’s shortage of family doctors. OMA President Dr. Andrew Park stated that 2.3 million Ontarians are currently without a family physician, and this number is anticipated to almost double within the next two years.
Following the first round of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), there were 108 unfilled family medicine spots out of a total of 560 in Ontario, an increase compared to previous years. Dr. Park emphasized that medical students must view family medicine as a desirable and rewarding career path to address this issue.
Dr. Park highlighted that students are aware of the funding and administrative challenges associated with comprehensive family medicine, leading them to opt for other specialties. He emphasized the need to promote family medicine as an impactful career choice and ensure that funding for doctors keeps pace with inflation.
The OMA President also cited the excessive administrative burden faced by family physicians as a deterrent for medical students entering the field. He stressed that physicians prefer to provide patient care rather than being bogged down by paperwork, which has become increasingly prevalent in the medical field.
Dr. Park emphasized the crucial role of family doctors in the healthcare system, as they provide the link to specialist care, preventive services, disease management, and access to diagnostic services. He warned that a shortage of family medicine doctors will result in reduced access to care, potentially leaving patients with unmet healthcare needs.
Jeeventh Kaur, President of the Ontario Medical Students Association, acknowledged that students are aware of the challenges in family medicine, including the heavy workload and administrative burden. She emphasized that students prioritize their lifestyles and work-life balance when making career decisions.
The Ontario Ministry of Health stated that they are taking steps to ease the administrative burden on physicians, including establishing a burnout task force and implementing measures to reduce paperwork. The Ministry also aims to replace fax machines with digital communication alternatives at Ontario healthcare providers.
The OMA and medical professionals stress the paramount importance of supporting family medicine as a viable and rewarding career path to ensure the future health and well-being of Ontarians.
