Pan-Canadian licensure: Potential impact on the rural physician workforce
Permis d'exercice pancanadien : Impact potentiel sur la main-d'œuvre médicale rurale
Bosco Carmela, Sweatman Louise, Sue Kyle
Details
ISSN Number: 12037796
Language: English/French
Format: PDF
Pages: 15–21
Content Summary
The article examines the potential impact of pan-Canadian licensure on the rural physician workforce. It highlights the broad support for national licensure as a solution to physician shortages in underserved rural areas, while also addressing concerns about possible urban migration of rural doctors. An environmental scan and surveys conducted by the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association reveal that licensing restrictions are significant barriers for rural physicians. The findings suggest that pan-Canadian licensure could enhance recruitment and retention by allowing physicians to practice across multiple jurisdictions, thus addressing healthcare needs in rural communities.