MM1-4

"Canada's Leading Health Care Professionals" ... the entire panel with the exception of the journalists is made up of physicians. Where is the representation from the rest of the health care team? No one to represent the viewpoint of nurses or the other front-line workers, many of whom have some excellent ideas on how to make the system more efficient and affordable. I am not sure if you are aware of it but university-trained nurses have the highest averages coming into university of any faculty. They are an intelligent bunch. They work for a salary so they have nothing to gain if the system changes and they are given more responsiblity (vs many physicians who work on a fee for service basis). They are a real bargain at $40.00/hr. if the system would just utilize them to their potential.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/01/14/in-conversation-with-macleans-health-series/#IDComment121738732

GM1-12

In reply to Metasphere http://cmatalks.blogspot.com/2010/12/gm1-10.html

I don't believe that physicians do not want to see more physicians trained. However, there are gluts in some specialties and shortages in others. We are short of family doctors and so there should be family medicine programs whereby the entrants become family doctors. The University of Calgary is piloting just such a program.

http://sitelife.theglobeandmail.com/ver1.0/gocomm?ck=CommentKey%3a9390ef97-278f-4fb1-80f4-2dd141c2fb83

GM1-3

In reply to Elder Gonzo http://cmatalks.blogspot.com/2010/12/gm1-1.html

At first glance this might seem like a great suggestion. However, in Alberta where I am from it is unlawful for a physician or pharmacist to fill a prescription for more than 18 months without the patient being re-assessed by a physician to see if the patient is still on the right medication at the right dosage for the right reasons. Now, given that the majority of us get our cars checked out at at least yearly intervals, I do not think it is unwise to go to the doctor and have him ensure we should still be on the same blood pressure medication at the same dosage. It would negligent for him/her to call in a prescription to the pharmacy without even laying eyes on you. Would you let your mechanic order parts for your car without checking it out?

http://sitelife.theglobeandmail.com/ver1.0/gocomm?ck=CommentKey%3a0337dfa0-7a8f-4d95-8fd0-6db161425fd6