A 26-year-old family medicine resident, Dr. Edmond Sauvé, embraces the government’s plan requiring young doctors to serve five years in public healthcare, viewing it as a privilege rather than a burden. Moving to Sept-Îles next fall, he aims to address staffing shortages and appreciates the educational investment made by society. While many peers oppose the mandate, Dr. Sauvé believes fulfilling societal needs is essential, emphasizing the rewarding nature of family medicine.
A 26-year-old aspiring general practitioner is expressing his enthusiasm about the government’s plan to mandate that he work within the public healthcare system. He feels a strong sense of obligation to the society that funded his medical education, which cost over $400,000. “Don’t approach me with complaints about being restricted from private practice for the first five years. Honestly, no one is going to pity us, and rightly so,” remarks Dr. Edmond Sauvé, a family medicine resident set to finish his training by summer. “It’s the least we can do to repay the state. I don’t see this as a monumental task; rather, it’s a privilege.”
A New Chapter in Sept-Îles
Next fall, Dr. Sauvé will relocate to Sept-Îles on the North Shore to begin his career as a family doctor. Despite being a lifelong resident of Montreal, he is eager to embrace this new opportunity.
“It aligns perfectly with my vision of family medicine to serve in an area facing a significant staffing shortage,” says this outdoor enthusiast. “We have the best profession imaginable. We are incredibly fortunate, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the educational system that shaped me.”
Addressing Concerns in the Medical Community
In December, Health Minister Christian Dubé revealed plans to require young doctors to serve a minimum of five years in the public healthcare network. This initiative aims to counter the growing trend of physicians transitioning to private practice each year, with the state investing between $400,000 and $800,000 in each doctor’s training.
Since the announcement, various medical unions have criticized the proposal, labeling it as discriminatory, unnecessary, or detrimental. While Dr. Sauvé acknowledges the need to address the reasons prompting doctors to shift to private practice, he does not share the “privileged” mindset prevalent among some of his peers.
“Outrageous reactions are just empty noise. They’re fearful of losing their standing. However, doctors occupy a high position in society; even a slight dip in status feels monumental,” Dr. Sauvé shares candidly. “Doctors are trained at great expense by our community, only to then opt for private practice for better pay and hours. I view that as a disservice to our taxpayers.”
Dr. Sauvé notes that many of his fellow residents are against the five-year public service requirement. Several are contemplating private practice if they cannot secure their desired positions in the public sector.
“Every job comes with its downsides, but it’s a lesser evil to fulfill societal needs,” he believes. “You can achieve a great quality of life with a commendable salary and reasonable hours in family medicine across Quebec.”
Identifying as a “black sheep,” this Montrealer is excited about his upcoming adventure.
“It’s the call of the great outdoors!” he exclaims, as he prepares for his role at the Sept-Îles hospital. “There will be ample opportunities for me; many doctors are in short supply!”