Ontario's Doctor Shortage Crisis: A Call for Change

TLDROntario is facing a critical shortage of family doctors, and one more doctor is leaving the profession. Dr. Mang, after practicing for 29 years, is permanently closing her clinic due to burnout caused by excessive paperwork. This adds to the existing challenge of 2.3 million Ontarians without a family physician. The government's efforts to address the issue are in progress, but more needs to be done to attract and support future family doctors.

Key insights

🩺Ontario is experiencing a shortage of family doctors, with 2.3 million people without a physician.

📋Excessive paperwork and administrative tasks contribute to burnout among family doctors.

💼The administrative burden leaves little time and resources for direct patient care.

🟥Reduced work hours negatively impact family doctors' income and ability to cover overhead costs.

🆘The shortage of family doctors puts pressure on emergency care services and affects patient access.

Q&A

What is the main reason for the doctor shortage in Ontario?

The shortage is primarily due to excessive paperwork and administrative tasks that lead to burnout.

How many Ontarians are currently without a family physician?

There are approximately 2.3 million Ontarians without a family physician.

Why did Dr. Mang decide to close her clinic?

Dr. Mang decided to close her clinic due to burnout caused by excessive paperwork and an unsustainable workload.

How does the doctor shortage impact patient access?

The shortage puts pressure on emergency care services, and patients may face challenges in finding a new family doctor.

What is the government doing to address the doctor shortage?

The government has launched a burnout task force and a program called Patience Before Paperwork, but more action is needed to attract and support future family doctors.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Ontario is facing a critical shortage of family doctors.

00:12Dr. Mang is permanently closing her clinic due to burnout caused by excessive paperwork.

01:16Dr. Mang had to reduce her work hours to save her sanity, but it affected her income.

02:18Dr. Mang's patients are concerned about access to care and the impact on emergency services.

02:46The shortage of family doctors has been a growing problem for over a decade.