More family doctors in Sask. considering early retirement: Survey

More Saskatchewan family physicians are considering early retirement than three years ago, according to a survey conducted by the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians.

More Saskatchewan family physicians are considering early retirement than three years ago, according to a survey conducted by the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians.

The survey found that one in five family doctors are considering early retirement. It’s believed that workload pressures are behind the shift.

Dr. Adam Ogieglo, a Saskatoon family doctor, sees it happening.

“They are working doctors that have big patient rosters that are, if not retiring, are on the verge of retiring in the near future,” he said. “The bigger problem I think that needs to be addressed urgently is that there really aren’t very many doctors coming in to fill those big shoes. A lot of the new graduates are interested in doing other work.”

The potential for accelerated retirements is a concern. An estimated 200,000 Saskatchewan residents currently do not have a family doctor. The NDP brought the issue to the legislature on Wednesday.

“What is the minister doing to make sure that everyone across Saskatchewan has access to a family doctor?” NDP MLA Vicki Mowat asked during question period.

The government pointed to recent recruitments.