Editorial: A very difficult problem

Talk to Canadian doctors about paperwork as we did for this issue of the magazine and you’ll see sad faces. Paperwork—including electronic forms/documentation—has become a worsening slog for clinicians. And that’s a risk to the health system because some physicians are looking to reduce their hours or retire early partly because the paperwork is so draining. Doctors in our annual survey acknowledged that doing paperwork benefits patients under their care. So it is necessary. But it also appears that despite the promise of EMRs and other electronic info systems, doctors are divided on the statement: “Technology has helped me in getting my paperwork done.” With 38% agreeing and 34% disagreeing. See more survey results here. Still, as the article “Cutting off the flow upstream” points out: There is evidence things are going to improve. THE MEDICAL POST AWARDS We’re launching the Medical Post Awards this year! The 2022 awards, to be presented at a hybrid live and virtual gala, will celebrate physicians who are leading voices on national issues, contributing in significant ways to communities, or innovating in their practice. Why is the Medical Post doing this? As a publication that reports on doctors and the issues that affect them, we’ve had the unique privilege of witnessing some of the brightest and most dedicated physicians go above and beyond the scopes of their professional responsibility. When the pandemic hit, we saw these medical champions step up even higher—even as COVID-19 added significantly to the burden that this country’s physicians have been carrying for so long. If there ever was a right time for the Medical Post to celebrate the leaders among our doctors, it is now. So we start this year with five awards. We need your help. We need judges. We’re looking for doctors to help us review and decide on submissions for the Medical Post Awards. This will entail a commitment during the summer of approximately five to 10 hours, depending on the number of submissions we receive. If you’d like to be part of this year’s Medical Post Awards judges, contact me directly at cleslie@ensembleIQ.com.

Editorial: A very difficult problem

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