Associate physicians are a new idea for Prince Edward Island, but Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathie McNally says they could soon be having an impact on the province’s health-care system.
Associate physicians are already practising in some jurisdictions. They are doctors with international training and experience, who by the standards of the local college of physicians and surgeons do not qualify for a medical licence.
That has left these doctors with nowhere to participate in providing health care for Islanders, but that is about to change. Health P.E.I. intends to advertise for the province’s first five associate physicians within the next two weeks.
“What we’re anticipating will happen is when the associate physicians apply there will be consideration given to their specific training and/or experience,” said McNally.
