QUEBEC CITY – For 230 medical students at Laval University, graduation has finally arrived after years of hard work — ten years in the case of Veronick Cullen.
“It’s finally here. The end, yes,” she said. “I’m so excited.”
READ MORE: New online tool aims to help Quebecers find family doctors
Now she and her classmates are doctors who will work in all regions of Quebec.
Cullen is one of the province’s newest family doctors. She doesn’t have a job yet, even though she says she’s sure she’ll find something soon. However, she — like the rest of her classmates — don’t know how new health care reforms will affect her career.
“The anxiety is palpable,” explained Rénald Bergeron, the dean of Laval’s Faculty of Medicine. “We’re in a critical phase of the transformation and it’s been one year since the system has been changed.”
READ MORE: LaSalle man goes off heart meds to demand family doctor
Health Minister Gaetan Barrette’s Bill 20 aims to increase access to family doctors by creating super clinics, open longer hours. Doctors federations have expressed concern this bill will force specialists into the super clinics.
The grads hope for clarity on the situation soon.
“Actually, our minister told us that quite soon there will be some announcements concerning specialists,” said Samuel Tetrault, a critical care specialist.
Many of the graduates, like Tetrault remain optimistic.
“My family is all in Quebec. I love the health care system here, the patients are incredibly generous,” said Hussein Wissanji. “I think there’s lots of opportunities in Quebec.”
- ‘She gets to be 10’: Ontario child’s heart donated to girl the same age
- Bird flu risk to humans an ‘enormous concern,’ WHO says. Here’s what to know
- Shoppers faces proposed class action over claims company is ‘abusive’ to pharmacists
- Buzz kill? Gen Z less interested in coffee than older Canadians, survey shows
Comments