Barrie and Muskoka region need about 100 family doctors: OMA

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) warned on Monday of a worsening health-care crisis if the family doctor shortage is not addressed immediately.

“The implications of people not being able to access primary care are severe,” said OMA President Dr. Andrew Park. “The crisis we have seen unfold in Sault Ste. Marie, leaving thousands of people without a family doctor, will replicate itself across the province. We can’t just sit back and watch this situation get worse. We need to act now so people in Ontario can get care when they need it.”

Citing data from HealthForce Ontario, 2.3 million people in the province are without a family physician and that number is expected to double in two years.

According to the data, the OMA said 118 family doctors are needed in Barrie and Muskoka region, with Toronto leading the pack at 305 empty spots, and Ottawa at 171.

The OMA also pointed to underfunding in OHIP revenue, and said complicated with rising inflation pressures have made family practices unsustainable.

"Working conditions that have nothing to do with medicine and result in family doctors spending 40 per cent of their work week on completing forms and trying to navigate patients through a system that is disconnected and fragmented," stated the OMA.

An OMA survey showed that 40 per cent of physicians are considering retiring in the next five years.

The warning from the OMA comes amid ongoing negotiations with the province on a new agreement for Ontario’s doctors. 

“We have heard from our members that the current situation for family physicians and our specialists is not sustainable,” said OMA CEO Kimberly Moran. “The OMA wants to work with government to ensure there is a future for health care in Ontario.”

Data: https://www.healthforceontario.ca/en/Hom

Physicians needed by city:

According to HealthForceOntario, which post job openings for physicians, the following number of physicians are needed in these Ontario cities: