Family medicine residents aren't biting at B.C's new two-year contract offer

Monetary enticements British Columbia’s government recently announced to attract new residents specializing in family medicine—which had more than a few doctors in the province raising eyebrows—have yet to find any takers. The province is offering new two-year contracts featuring a $25,000 bonus to take on the challenge of becoming an FP there. But some residents have expressed concerns that the problems B.C.'s health system infrastructure is experiencing may simply drive those residents away after the contract is up. Read: Nurse loses job after threatening to withhold Viagra from conservative white men “If we’re going to be taking these contracts to provide longitudinal care and attach a patient panel and then there’s no solutions put into place to make family medicine sustainable, what happens to these patients?” Dr. Romina Moradi said in an interview with the Victoria Times Columnist. “They’re going to go right back on that waiting list, and that’s completely heartbreaking.” At present, about one in five British Columbians have no family doctor. Health Minister Adrian Dix recently announced the “new to practice” contract, valued at $295,457. In addition to the $25,000 signing bonus (which expires at the end of September) it also includes $130,000 of debt forgiveness for medical training to be dolled out over the course of five years. As part of the contract, the new FPs would have to gather around 1,250 patients over two years, sharing overhead expenses with the clinic where they practise. Dr. Moradi and Dr. Ana Boskovic penned a recent letter, signed by 168 residents, to Health Ministry and Doctors of B.C. explaining worries over details of the contract, namely that it doesn’t address the many overhead expenses doctors typically incur. The residents have requested a meeting with the ministry—which has yet to take place. The ministry told the Victoria Times Columnist that residents have reached out for more information about the offer but none have actually signed on. Read: After abortion ruling, clinic staff grapple with trauma

Family medicine residents aren't biting at B.C's new two-year contract offer

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