In Ontario, the Ministry of Health has designated more than 70 communities as not having sufficient doctors. The problem is no longer confined to rural and remote areas. Many of the communities are urban centres such as Windsor and Kitchener-Waterloo. A similar picture exists in all provinces and territories. Just last week the Quebec College of Family Physicians issued a study that identified a shortage of 500 family doctors in the province, and the shortage is now more acute in urban rather than rural areas.
Many factors influence physician resources.
An ageing physician population. Today 6000 physicians are 65 years of age or over, including 2000 that are over 70. The brain drain has resulted in a net loss of approximately 400 physicians per year during the past decade. That's 4000 doctors. The departure of each one of these physicians and nurses represents the loss of a major public investment in highly educated, skilled and dedicated practitioners.