More Than 40% of Ontario Cardiologists Are Ready to Quit

PETERBOROUGH, ON, May 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Following the McGuinty government's unilateral implementation of fee reductions of up to 50% to cardiology diagnostic services, the Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) polled over 300 cardiologists in May 2012.  Participants in the poll were asked: 'Given the imposed changes on May 7, 2012, are you seriously considering retiring, or leaving the jurisdiction, within 2 years?'

"I knew that some people were considering early retirement, but even I was shocked at the numbers.  Forty-three percent said they would retire or move away within 2 years," said Dr. Bill Hughes, President of the OAC.  "Just counting the cardiologists on the conference call, that would represent over 100 practicing specialists. The impact on access to care will be catastrophic."

Dr. Heather Ross, a heart failure specialist at Toronto General Hospital was equally concerned.  "I have been involved in training residents for over 20 years.  I can tell you they are devastated by the government's actions.  Many who were considering practice in Ontario will simply go elsewhere.  Canadian trained cardiologists are in demand all over the world."

Dr. Jim Swan, a Scarborough based cardiologist added, "Unilateral imposition of these Draconian measures is an unprecedented attack on all physicians, and cardiologists in particular.  Many of us don't see how we can look after our patients properly under the new regime."

"We know that rapid access to highly trained specialists, and high quality diagnostics, is the most important factor in preventing serious consequences of vascular disease," said Hughes, a cardiologist in Peterborough. "Anything that compromises that access, whether it be early retirement, doctors leaving, doctors never coming to Ontario, or whether we simply can no longer pay the staff who do the diagnostics, will result in bad outcomes.  It is inevitable.  And it is also completely wrong and unnecessary.  We provided government with many ideas for savings and efficiencies that would not compromise care, but we were ignored."

The OAC is calling upon the government to immediately halt implementation of these damaging and dangerous changes.  It is time for the McGuinty government to start serious negotiations with the Ontario Medical Association.

"We are always committed to providing the best care to our patients, but we can't do that if government ties our hands behind our backs," added Dr. Swan.

Contact:  Ontario Association of Cardiologists
327 Charlotte Street, Peterborough Ontario. K9J-0B2
705-775-0770 Office, 705-749-7921 Cell
Fax [phone] 
[email protected]