New Law for Doctors in Quebec

The Quebec government plans to introduce a New Law for Doctors that will require newly trained doctors to work in the public health care system for a few years at the beginning of their careers. This proposal is part of an effort to keep doctors in the public system and improve access to health care for residents.

Purpose of the Proposed New Law for Doctors

• Reduce Migration: The law aims to decrease the number of doctors leaving the public system for private practice or moving to other provinces.
• Long Wait Times: The proposal is a response to ongoing issues with long wait times for patients in Quebec.

Details of the Law

• Bill Introduction: Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that the bill will be presented by the end of the current legislative session, with a debate planned for next spring.
• Duration of Service: The exact length of time that doctors will need to work in the public system is still unclear.

Costs of Medical Training

• High Training Costs: Training a doctor in Quebec costs between $435,000 and $790,000, including residency.
• Rise in Private Practice: Many new doctors are choosing to work only in the private sector. The number of doctors in private practice has increased by 70% since 2020.

Statistics on Doctor Migration

• Leaving Quebec: Between 2015 and 2017, 400 out of 2,536 doctors who graduated in Quebec left the province.
• Doctors in Ontario: Currently, 2,355 Quebec-trained doctors are practicing in Ontario, while only 60% of new family doctors stay in Quebec.

Concerns from Critics

• Root Causes Ignored: Critics, such as Krystle Wittevrongel, argue that the proposed law does not address why doctors are leaving the public system. Many doctors want to reduce administrative work and have more control over their schedules.
• Support from Quebec College of Physicians: The Quebec College of Physicians supports the law but wants more details before fully endorsing it.

Changes to Family Doctor Assignments

• Proposed Changes: The government is considering new ways to assign family doctors to ensure vulnerable patients get the care they need.
• Modified Service: One idea is to allow patients with minor health issues to access appointments without being assigned a family doctor, while only patients with complex conditions would get a family doctor.

Concerns from Family Doctors

• Patient Relationships: Dr. Laura Sang, a family physician in Montreal, believes it’s important for doctors to maintain long-term relationships with their patients. She is worried that the proposed changes could lead to burnout and push more doctors into private practice.

Criticism of the Proposal

• Need for Clarity: Opposition members have criticized the government’s proposal, arguing it could lead to more issues, such as crowded emergency rooms. They believe the government should provide clear explanations and engage the public in discussions.

Conclusion

While the Quebec government is taking steps to improve the healthcare system with new laws for doctors and changes in patient assignments, many questions remain. It is important for the government to consider the concerns of healthcare professionals and the public to ensure that everyone in Quebec has better access to healthcare.