Brian Day
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
- 12/10/2011
Time for physicians to challenge the rationing of care
In my view, physicians should reject a process in which we are gatekeepers without control. I suggest we refuse to condone inappropriate rationing of care. When patients deserve timely investigation or treatment, perhaps we should write a prescription stating that we recommend immediate attention, and that a delay might produce irreparable harm. - 10/6/2011
A lobby for comprehensive care
I have been a strong supporter of universal coverage for drugs, dentistry, braces and prosthetics, physiotherapy, etc.; however, my plan would not be subject to the inevitable constraints associated with simply rolling it into medicare. - 9/14/2011
"Sticks and stones may break my bones; but names will never hurt me.”
Most of the problems facing hospitals, doctors, nurses and patients in Canada would be best served by taking the politics – and most of the politicians – out of health care. - 8/24/2011
Is the false independence enjoyed under our current pay system worth the price?
Canadian doctors in fee-for-service practice have the worst of both worlds. For their overhead expenses they are considered independent contractors and subject to the free market. On the revenue side they are treated as employees. Eliminating all market forces—as we do in Canada—is bad for patients and bad for health workers. - 7/25/2011
Healthcare transformation: Time to take the next step
The recent joint CMA/CNA Ipsos-Reid public poll showed that more than 85% of Canadians surveyed said “transformation” is needed, and that the Canada Health Act should be expanded to include more essential services. The problem is that if governments fund additional services, we will require cutbacks elsewhere. Few are willing to explore that next step. - 7/18/2011
Why we need private medical schools
Sadly, 3,500 young Canadians currently attend foreign medical schools. Our policies have forced these aspiring young doctors to leave the country and 50% of those graduating do not return. That is a serious and permanent loss of Canadian talent. - 2/25/2010
Freedom of choice should be universally exactly that
Why do Canadians accept government laws that eliminate freedom of choice in our personal health decisions? After all, it was Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, in a December 1988 speech to the United Nations, who asserted: “Freedom of choice is a universal principle. There should be no exceptions.” - 1/24/2010
Top 10 restaurants in New Orleans
- 11/23/2009
Brian Day and the bungling bureaucrat
We doctors love the sport of bureaucrat bashing. We are prone to criticize administrators for their wasteful protocols, for inefficiencies, and for sometimes causing us grief when we try to accomplish simple, straightforward clinical tasks. The following is a description of one of my personal experiences. I was subsequently a little less critical of their role in our hospital system. - 10/18/2009
Let’s define 'medically necessary'
Current inconsistencies shake the pillars of Canada Health Act
