U of C study shows changes needed to physician salary structures
Posted Jul 30, 2013 2:44 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new paper published by the University of Calgary School of Public Policy shows doctor’s salaries have risen to four and a half times those of average Canadian workers, over the last decade or so.
The paper concludes, unless physicians adopt a broader self-governance role, more conflict with government is inevitable.
Hugh Grant, economist and researcher for the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, said public opinion was swayed and the government was spooked by a perceived shortage at the end of the 90’s. He said that led to a shift, from insuring health care costs stayed in line, to trusting physician groups to ensure an adequate level of service.
Grant said the shift has also put the onus on physicians to ensure adequate service is provided to patients. He said failure to do so would basically be a breach of their agency responsibilities.
