Are new doctors putting in as many hours as established ones?
It takes time to learn about a new practice, says college
The president of the P.E.I. College of Family Physicians wants to clear up some misconceptions about the caseloads being taken on by doctors who are new to the province.
Dr. Shannon Curtis said she's hearing concerns from members about the way new doctors have been portrayed through some media reports, in particular stories that focus on new physicians who aren't taking on as many patients as more established doctors.
It takes time to become familiar with a new patient, she said, and that adds up when you're taking on a new practice.
"You need to be able to spend time to go through that chart to make sure that what has been done in the past, you are able to continue on and you understand it," said Curtis.
Taking on other duties
Curtis said some people have the impression that new doctors aren't working as hard, which she says is incorrect.
In fact, she said, sometimes they're working even longer hours than more well-established doctors.
Curtis added that new family physicians are taking on other duties as well.
"They may also be covering hospital, so working in the hospital in the mornings before they get to the office. Some of them do call, so they have to work in the evening time. Some of them provide walk-in clinic hours," she said.
Some newer physicians who want to keep up all their skills may also work hours in the emergency department.
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With files from Angela Walker