EDITORIAL – Days of the family doctor may be coming to an end, but it’s okay
(Image: Pixabay.com)
An ArmchairMayor.ca editorial by Mel Rothenburger.
ACCORDING TO A REPORT from the Canadian Medical Association last month, 15 per cent of British Columbians still don’t have family doctors. If past estimates can be believed, it’s double that in Kamloops.
The report said the general shortage will get worse, not better, because a lot of doctors are approaching retirement age.
I’m seriously beginning to wonder whether the days of the family doctor are numbered. I hear from more and more people who are genuinely excited about the kind of care they’re getting from nurse practitioners.
Until recently, nurse practitioners weren’t on the scene at all and when they did start getting recognized as an alternative to GPs they were regarded as second best. That’s changing.
Mel Rothenburger’s Armchair Mayor editorials appear twice daily Mondays through Thursdays on CFJC- TV. His Armchair Mayor column is published Saturdays on ArmchairMayor.ca and CFJC Today. Contact him at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
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This seems to be a viable alternative to the model of the family doctor.
This week I was introduced to my new nurse practitioner and the initial appointment went very well. Communications with one’s health provider is one of the important keys. I am looking forward to this new relationship for primary health care.
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How long will it be before the Nurse Practioners expect the same rate of pay as the Doctors? I mean they are doing the same thing usually? Only a matter of time, I say, and probably sooner than later…
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