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Canada Faces Family Doctor Shortage: Senators Propose Rapid Fix Through International Medical Graduates
Canada is grappling with a critical shortage of family doctors, with 6.5 million Canadians currently without one, and that number is projected to reach 10 million by 2031. To address this, a new report from independent senators Ratna Omidvar, Stan Kutcher, and Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia proposes a swift solution: increasing residency training spots for international medical graduates (IMGs), including Canadians trained abroad and foreign-trained doctors.
The senators’ report suggests that the government invest $104 million in 2024-25 to create at least 750 additional family physician positions each year. The move could quickly fill gaps in Canada’s strained healthcare system and alleviate the impending shortfall of over 50,000 family doctors by 2031.
Expanding IMG Training Programs
The report emphasizes that Canada’s current pipeline of 1,500 family medicine residents per year is far from sufficient to meet the growing demand. The senators call for expanding an existing practice-ready assessment program, which accelerates licensure for foreign-trained doctors through supervised workplace evaluations. Currently, barriers limit IMG access to residency positions, leaving an estimated 13,000 qualified doctors unable to practice in Canada.
While Canada plans to open five new medical schools by 2030, the senators argue that this alone will not resolve the issue in time. The first cohort of new medical school graduates won’t begin practicing until the early 2030s, leaving a significant gap in family physician availability.
Addressing the Shortage
Canada’s aging population, physician retirements, and decreasing interest in family medicine residencies among medical graduates have compounded the issue. Over 18,000 family doctors are expected to retire by 2031, with a consistent shortage of applicants filling residency spots in the past four years.
In Ontario, efforts are already underway to integrate more IMGs into the healthcare system. Former federal health minister Dr. Jane Philpott revealed that the province has doubled the number of IMG residency spots, with international graduates expected to make up 50% of residents by 2024. However, Philpott stresses that while Ontario has sufficient spots and funding for salaries, the challenge lies in expanding the infrastructure needed to support additional trainees.
A National Approach
To prevent further strain on emergency rooms and primary care, the senators advocate for a collaborative federal-provincial approach. By expanding residency programs and offering additional support for IMG training, Canada could quickly and cost-effectively bolster its family physician workforce.
This initiative would not only address immediate healthcare challenges but also ensure long-term stability, improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on family doctors.
Source: Swifteradio.com
