What are the biggest concerns facing physicians today? According to the National Physician Survey (NPS) released earlier this year, the shortage of healthcare professionals and the effects this has on patients tops the list.

The NPS is Canada's largest census survey of physicians and physicians-in-training and is conducted jointly by the Canadian Medical Association, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Several significant trends in physician’s practice patterns are highlighted in the NFS results. The baby boom generation is starting to retire, which equates to over 4,000 physicians who plan to stop practicing over the next two years. Adding to the dilemma, the younger doctors replacing the baby boomers are seeking a different balance in their work and personal lives than previous generations, meaning they don’t plan to work as many hours.

In an effort to put the growing shortage of physicians on the federal political agenda, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) recently launched a major campaign: “More Doctors. More Care.” CMA also revealed dramatic data showing the costs associated with patients waiting for care in four of the five “priority” areas identified by governments in the 2004 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care topped $14.8 billion in 2007. The report also reveals that excess waits for care reduced economic activity and lowered the revenues of federal and provincial governments by a combined $4.4 billion in 2007. “Federal politicians seem to think that health care is no longer an important issue for Canadian voters,” said Dr. Brian Day, CMA president. “They need to think again. In the last election, politicians promised to put an end to wait times. That promise will never be kept if the shortage of physicians isn't dealt with because more doctors mean more care.”

To find out more about the campaign and take action in making our healthcare system healthier, visit www.moredoctors.ca.