Alberta sees highest number of unfilled family medicine residency spots in a decade: AMA
Global News
After the second round of matching, there are still 22 unfilled family medicine spots in the province.
After the second round of matching, there are still 22 unfilled family medicine spots in the province according to the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).
“This is the highest in the last 10 years,” AMA president, Dr. fred Rinaldi, explained.
Recent data from the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) showed 110 unfilled positions across the country and the majority are in family medicine with 28 of the vacant spots in Alberta.
“What it’s saying is learners don’t want to come to Alberta,” Dr. Rinaldi said.
“The climate here isn’t good, there’s a large feeling of distrust and learners choose to go other places.”
Dr Rinaldi noted Manitoba, Saskatchewan and B.C. have no unfilled family medicine spaces.
She said the conflict between the provincial government and doctors over the years has played a part in how doctors feel about working in Alberta and more action is needed to stabilize and support family medicine.
“(There are) a million Albertans without a family physician and no access to primary care — so if new people aren’t coming in, this situation cannot possibly get better,” Dr. Rinaldi said.