Canada's physicians in training say they are well placed regardless of the fallout from the Romanow report.
“We are very encouraged that Mr. Romanow came out so clearly in support of a publicly funded system,” Dr. Joseph Mikhael, president of the Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Ontario, told CMAJ. “Physicians who are in training now will be working in the system for the next 40 years, so we have the most at stake.”
Mikhael thinks the latest generation of physicians is ready to respond to Romanow's call for a more integrated health care system. “We don't see ourselves as barriers to change,” added Mikhael. “The younger generation of physicians in Canada is very familiar with working in a team approach, so we consider Mr. Romanow's call for collaborative care another opportunity.”
As was the case with their more experienced colleagues, however, interns and residents are worried that Romanow didn't go far enough in responding to the widespread shortage of health care professionals in Canada.
“Overall, this [report] is a positive step,” said Dr. James Clarke, president of the Canadian Association of Internes and Residents. “However, there is a critical shortage of doctors in this country and something must be done about it.” — Steve Wharry, CMAJ
Figure. Dr. Joseph Mikhael: “We have the most at stake.” Photo by: Steve Wharry