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. Depending on the size of the community, the departure can have a devastating effect on the service provision in the area. The loss has a direct negative influence on the quality and continuity of care.
Medical training is a long process.
The Canadian Medical Forum representing all national medical organizations met with the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health in November to present its findings and recommendations on the issue of physician shortages. Increasing post graduate training positions would allow for greater flexibility in career choice, enhance opportunities for re-entry into specialty training and enhance opportunities for the appropriate assessment of qualified International Medical Graduates. Additionally we must engage in a creative program of recruitment and retention of Canadians physicians, including the repatriation of those who practise outside of Canada. There should be a transparent process and an absence of coercion. If we are to avoid what appears to be a significant worsening crisis, planning for the future must begin now.