Why, doc? Solution to doctor shortage may be more than money
Physician shortages are common in many parts of the Newfoundland and Labrador, and the association that represents doctors says not enough is being done to find out why.
Wendy Graham, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, said getting to the root cause of why doctors are not more easily retained is just as important as funding.
"I don't know that we've really looked at why enough," Graham told CBC's CrossTalk.
"We certainly need an investment into primary health care, but we can do a lot with the resources that we have."
Sometimes we know physicians are likely going to retire in the near future, we can see some problems coming but we don't really have a good strategy to plan ahead for this.- Wendy Graham
Recently, a new family practice opened its doors north of Marystown to help alleviate stress on emergency rooms on the Burin Peninsula.
Even in addition to a temporary clinic in Salt Pond, the area is still short doctors.
The Burin Peninsula is not alone in its need for more doctors.
Graham said pay increases over the past five years have helped recruit and retain more doctors. However, the ones that leave still out-number the doctors that stay.
"One of the things that we definitely need is a better human resource strategy ... human resource plan," she said.
"Sometimes we know physicians are likely going to retire in the near future, we can see some problems coming, but we don't really have a good strategy to plan ahead for this."