'A really big deal': UBC at risk of losing eye doctor training program
CTV
British Columbia’s only program that trains eye surgeons is at risk of losing its ability to prepare more specialist doctors, CTV News has learned.
British Columbia’s only program that trains eye surgeons is at risk of losing its ability to prepare more specialist doctors, CTV News has learned.
Canada’s Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons issued a “notice of intent to withdraw accreditation” designation against the University Of British Columbia’s ophthalmology program, which would be an embarrassment to the university, as well as a blow to patients needing serious eye care.
When asked, UBC initially stated the program is accredited, which is technically true. But when CTV News pointed out that its status is at risk and it’s publicly verifiable in a rare notice to prospective doctors looking for Canadian residency placement in the specialist training program, they acknowledged improvements need to be made to avoid losing the ability to train more.
“The faculty and the university are taking this matter very seriously and have been working to improve the program in order to maintain accreditation throughout the past three years,” wrote Dr. Ravi Sidhu, an associate dean in Postgraduate Medical Education.
He added that UBC would be providing an update by early summer.
The Royal College would not comment on the situation, noting it’s up to universities to share details, but noted they typically assess training programs every eight years. A spokesperson said 15 to 20 per cent of their reviews require follow-up.
Sources within the ophthalmology community expressed concern to CTV News that the 2020 designation had not resulted in sufficient improvements to maintain the training program, which would impact patients in the coming years.
