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Doctors Manitoba believes the province may be turning the corner on its record physician shortage.
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After falling 445 doctors short of the national average for physicians per capital last year, the advocacy organization said analysis of reports from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows a record net gain of 133 physicians this year, a 2% per capita increase that leads the nation.
“One of physicians’ top concerns has been the doctor shortage, because it leads to longer wait times for patients and that causes physicians distress and burnout,” Dr. Randy Guzman, President of Doctors Manitoba, said in a release.
“Some of physicians’ recommendations have been implemented, and we’re finally seeing improvements in doctor recruitment and retention, though this initial progress must be sustained with continued investments and relentless attention.”
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Closing the gap is attributed to “significant progress” in expanding medical training, reducing burnout, and the signing of a historic new funding agreement for doctors last year.
The shortage now sits at 336, with Manitoba still ranked second to last in the country on physicians per capita with 219 per 100,000 residents, third last for specialists, and dead last for family physicians.
“This impacts patient care, including over 150,000 Manitobans without a family doctor and unreasonably long wait times for emergency and specialty care, testing and surgery,” the release reads.
Doctors Manitoba also said that 688 doctors — 20% of all physicians — are considering retiring or moving away in the next three years.
Guzman said Manitoba must do better at retaining its physicians, with an average of 227 doctors starting their practice each year and 156 lost to other jurisdictions or retirement.
“Leaving retention unaddressed risks undermining the improvements we have made in recruitment.”
Also in need of attention, the group said, is expanding team-based care in physician practices, supporting physicians in Manitoba with their recruitment efforts, and focusing on recruitment and retention for smaller specialty groups and communities struggling with chronic shortages.
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