N.B. urged to consider interprovincial licensing of pathologists to deal with 'critical' shortage
CBC
New Brunswick and other regions facing a shortage of pathologists should consider interprovincial or national licensing, says the incoming president of the Canadian Association of Pathologists.
Dr. Jason Karamchandani, an associate professor in the Department of Pathology at McGill University in Montreal, says it could be a good short-term solution for the Vitalite Health Network, which has a "critical shortage."
"Particularly in the age of digital pathology, with just a few slide scanners placed strategically across the country, pathologists like myself might be able to help offset some of the acute staffing shortages," he said.
"But we are not licensed to practise medicine in all of the provinces across Canada, so I cannot sign out a case in New Brunswick."
Vitalite has at least seven vacant pathologist positions — two in Edmundston, two in Campbellton and three in Bathurst, data released to CBC shows.
Some of the positions have remained unfilled for more than two years.
Pathologists conducts autopsies and analyze samples of body tissues and bodily fluids to diagnose and monitor various diseases and conditions, such as cancer.
They also collaborate with other health-care professionals to develop treatment plans, and develop strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Vitalité has declined to reveal what impact its vacancies are having on wait times and backlogs. CBC also asked the Department of Health but did not receive a response.
Horizon has four vacancies, but expects the positions in Miramichi and Saint John to be filled in July and September, a spokesperson has said. Horizon continues to actively recruit to fill the remaining two positions in Moncton and Fredericton.
The Canadian Medical Association has been advocating for pan-Canadian licensure as one way to address doctor shortages.
In May, an Atlantic Physician Registry was launched. It allows doctors in Atlantic Canada to work in any of the four provinces for one yearly fee, without additional licensing requirements.
It's the first multi-jurisdiction licensing model in the country, according to the Department of Health.
Karamchandani calls the initiative "brilliant" and would like to see a similar agreement extended to pathologists in other provinces.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
A firestorm of controversy has been brewing in Niagara Falls, Ont., in the weeks since a former Olympian-turned-councillor was charged with domestic assault.
The 32-year-old man who died at the Windsor jail last month is being remembered as a great man who always wanted to help those who needed it.
In one week, Patrick Cully will find out whether his five-year-old daughter Scarlet will be able to continue the life-changing therapy she's relied on for more than a year — or if long waitlists and a lack of funding will halt her progress.
As Conestoga College faces layoffs and program suspensions, the union leaders representing its employees say the toll on the workers is mounting.
Hoping to drive more people downtown and breathe more life into the area, the City of Summerside is now going over a number of recommendations on how to revitalize its downtown and waterfront.
Yukon First Nations are calling on the territorial government to repeal amendments it made in May to mining regulations.
Wanda Resmer says she didn't see the news coming.
Residents along the Toronto West Railpath are frustrated with what they say is a lack of transparency from Metrolinx on end dates for nearby construction projects, their city councillor says.
As officials try to make sense of an alleged multi-year fraud engineered so several people could personally profit from money meant to be spent on keeping London's hospitals running, CBC News dug into the people accused in the scheme.
U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to slap a 35 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods as the two countries have been engaged in negotiations to reach some sort of trade agreement.
Nova Scotia's minister of education and early childhood development says the province will need more "help" from Ottawa to achieve $10-a-day child care by March 2026.
For years now, business has slowed down between April and November at Doiron Sports Excellence on the west side of Saint John because of the rehabilitation work on Harbour Bridge.
A wildfire has entered the northern Saskatchewan community of Beauval, the village's mayor says.