The Canadian Medical Association says physicians are struggling under the weight of an under-resourced health system and pandemic challenges. Nearly half of the doctors, residents and medical students who responded to a CMA survey screened positive for depression, at 48 per cent. The final results of the 2021 National Physician Health Survey were released today (Thurs) after being conducted last November.

The Association’s president, Dr. Alika Lafontaine says everyday the CMA hears about physicians expressing despair at the state of our health system, the strain that all health workers are facing and the fact that patients our suffering, and since this survey was completed, the strain has continued to grow. Fifty-three per cent of physicians and medical learners experienced high levels of burnout, according to the annual survey, and 49 per cent were considering reducing their clinical work. Dr. Lafontaine says physicians need help and support so they can continue to provide quality care to patients.