Atlantic premiers announce physicians registry to help doctors move around the region

Canada's Atlantic premiers announced Monday the creation of a physicians and surgeons registry to make it easier for doctors to work temporarily in provinces other than where they have a medical licence.

Canada's Atlantic premiers announced Monday the creation of a physicians and surgeons registry to make it easier for doctors to work temporarily in provinces other than where they have a medical licence.

Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King made the announcement at a meeting in Charlottetown, which was attended by all four of the Atlantic region's premiers.

King said the registry should be in operation beginning May 1.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said there's nothing preventing doctors from working outside their home province, but the process of getting permission to do so can be onerous, even within the Atlantic region.

Furey, an orthopedic trauma surgeon, said the registry will eliminate paperwork and reduce the administrative burden for doctors and surgeons who quickly need to fill gaps in the health-care system.

He said the new system will also make it easier for physicians who want to work temporarily in another province, mentioning as an example doctors who want to spend the summer months in Prince Edward Island.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2023.