More than half of Alberta doctors surveyed would leave if province separates
An Alberta Medical Association survey of 1,649 physicians found 59% would either retire early, leave practice or remain uncertain as the Oct. 19 referendum approaches.
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More than a quarter of Alberta's physicians surveyed by the Alberta Medical Association said they would leave the province or remain uncertain about their futures if Alberta separates from Canada.
The survey of 1,649 physicians, published Tuesday on the first day of advance voting for the October 19 referendum, found that 15% said they would continue living and practicing in Alberta, and less than a quarter were uncertain what they would do. Those who would elect to leave said they would move to another Canadian province or territory, while a small percentage would retire or leave the medical field earlier than planned.
Dr. Heidi Fell, president of the Alberta Medical Association, said the results are relevant to public conversation as Albertans prepare to vote. "At a time when access to care and health workforce capacity are important concerns for Albertans, we believe these perspectives are relevant to the wider public conversation," Fell said in a statement.
Fell identified two main concerns: unclear federal health care funding responsibilities after a potential separation, and uncertainty about maintaining access to medicines, equipment and medical services. She wrote to the province's health ministers last week requesting clarity on how doctors should handle patients whose eligibility cannot immediately be confirmed.
"Physicians often need to make clinical decisions before a patient's identity, residency status or coverage can be verified," Fell said. "Our position is straightforward: uncertainty about coverage should not unnecessarily delay care, and physicians and their staff should not be placed in the position of determining or enforcing a patient's immigration or coverage status."
The Hospitals Minister Adriana LaGrange's office said it is reviewing the AMA's letter.
What specific concerns about federal health care funding and access to medicines and equipment drive the physicians' uncertainty?
How do the survey results compare to previous physician surveys on Alberta health system confidence?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many Alberta doctors were surveyed?
The Alberta Medical Association surveyed 1,649 physicians.
What percentage of surveyed Alberta doctors would leave if the province separates?
59% of the 1,649 physicians surveyed said they would either retire early, leave practice, or remain uncertain about their futures if Alberta separates from Canada.
What are the main concerns doctors cited about separation?
According to Dr. Heidi Fell, president of the Alberta Medical Association, the two main concerns are unclear federal health care funding responsibilities after a potential separation, and uncertainty about maintaining access to medicines, equipment and medical services.
