A family doctor from Drummondville with nearly 20 years of experience recently made the difficult decision to leave her family medicine group and her 1,583 patients. Dr. Anne-Marie Morin chose this path to ensure high-quality care and maintain the essential relationship between a caregiver and each patient.
Reasons for Leaving GMF
Dr. Morin’s decision stems from her concerns about the healthcare system’s disconnect from patient needs. In recent years, she has witnessed increasing administrative constraints and reforms that hinder effective medical practice. The ongoing negotiations between doctors and the government, along with significant administrative interference, pushed her to reevaluate her values.
She stated, “The person who can determine my performance is my patient,” emphasizing her belief in patient-centered care. As of now, she plans to practice as a general practitioner within the Canadian Armed Forces and in social pediatrics, distancing herself from what she sees as a flawed performance-based system.
Impact on Patients and Practice
- Dr. Morin felt a diminishing connection between healthcare providers and patients.
- She believed this bond is vital for effective medical practice.
- Despite the challenges, the arrival of new doctors in her group eased the difficulties of her departure.
“The grief of leaving my patients became less painful because I knew I could leave many of them in capable hands,” she explained.
Financial Consequences
Leaving her position will result in a significant pay cut for Dr. Morin, nearly halving her salary. She expressed concern about how this financial shift will affect her family. Additionally, she criticized the monetary focus within the healthcare system, which she believes overshadows the fundamental issue of providing quality care.
Future Outlook
On a personal level, Dr. Morin is optimistic about her new role with the Armed Forces. She finds their approach refreshing and acknowledges the need for adaptability in this unfamiliar setting. “I am happy to become what I was: a caregiver,” she stated.
Since the recent imposition of a special law, Dr. Morin mentioned that many physicians are considering practicing outside of Quebec. She highlighted the need for skilled practitioners in the province and noted that the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has hinted at potential sanctions for doctors moving to other jurisdictions, such as Ontario.
Dr. Morin believes it’s unacceptable for physicians to focus on governmental targets rather than patient care. “A line has been crossed, and it was once considered unbreachable,” she concluded.
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