According to the National Physician Survey (NPS) of Canadian medical students and residents governments, professional medical organizations and governments need to pay special attention to the changing face of the medical profession.
Of several priorities identified by medical students and residents, these three stand out:
— a need for a better balance between professional and personal aspects of life
— more opportunities to work collaboratively with other health care professionals
— to be able to utilize more technology in practice
52% of residents and 60% of medical students say that a balance between work and personal life is the most significant factor in determining a fulfilling and thriving medical practice.
Dr. Ruth Wilson, President, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, said “This priority that has been clearly identified among medical students and residents will be important for health human resource planners to take into consideration for the future.”
While on the one hand physicians may work fewer hours, a more effective utilization of technology should improve delivery of care. Approximately one quarter of Canadian physicians use EMRs (electronic medical records). According to the NPS, 75% of second year resident say they expect to use EMRs in practice.
Dr. Brian Day, President Canadian Medical Association, said “The survey results reconfirmed that the current physician shortage affects timely access to care for patients. Wait times will be further influenced by changing patterns of physician practice. While future physicians are part of the solution, the way they want to practice and their priorities must be considered in ongoing efforts to improve timely access.”
The way doctors would like to practice will influence how health care is delivered, says the NPS. 33% of family medicine residents say they intend to specialize in family medicine, e.g. emergency medicine, obstetrics, palliative care and sports medicine. A large percentage of residents in non-family medicine specialties are opting for specializations in more focused areas, such as pediatric cardiology within cardiology, or hematology within internal medicine.
The financial debt-reward ratio has a bearing on what specialty is chosen. Trainees are either choosing a specialty which leads to greater earning potential so they can pay their debts off more quickly, or they are selecting shorter residency programs which incur a lower level of debt.
36% of medical students say they expect their final financial debt to be around $80,000 (debt as a result of attending a medical school). Both medical students and residents say that financial incentives have a significant impact in their choice of practice location.
Despite the debt burden, medical students and residents say they are attracted to medical careers for several reasons:
Top three reasons among medical students
— intellectual stimulation, challenge – 93%
— professional relationships in caring for patients – 83%
— earning potential – 42%
Top three reasons among 2nd year family medicine residents
— professional relationships in caring for patients – 85%
— workload flexibility and/or predictability – 79%
— intellectual stimulation, challenge – 65%
Top three reasons among 2nd year other specialty residents
— intellectual stimulation, challenge – 88%
— professional relationships in caring for patients – 54%
— workload flexibility and/or predictability – 50%
Who intends to practice in the province where they are currently training?
— 64% of medical students
— 74% of family medicine residents
— 41% of other residents
Dr. Louise Samson, President, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, said “Medical students and residents prepare diligently for their careers. The NPS reflects some significant changes on the horizon; however we see that the professional values of medical students and residents will produce the kinds of physicians who can respond to the needs of Canadians. The nation can be assured that students and residents are being well educated in order to provide competent care when they become practicing physicians.”
The NPS is conducted jointly by The CFPC (College of Family Physicians of Canada), the CMA (Canadian Medical Association), and the RCPSC (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada). It is the largest census survey of physicians and physicians-in-training in the country.
For a more details summary of the survey, go to www.nationalphysiciansurvey.ca.
Written by – Christian Nordqvist