Pay differentials between specialties a 'priority file' says Quebec specialists group

Montreal - The Federation of Specialist Physicians of Quebec (FMSQ) recognizes the significant differences in remuneration between the different specialties and its new administration, led by Dr. Vincent Oliva, says it is “a priority issue.” The most recent data provided by the Quebec Ministry of Health shows that in 2019/20, the highest paid medical specialists in Quebec, radiologists, billed an average of $856,833. The lowest paid, preventive medicine physicians, received an average of $291,170. This is an average difference of more than $560,000 between two specialties within the same federation. During that same year, the gross average remuneration of all medical specialists in Quebec reached $497,893. However, the average gross annual income was less than $400,000 in six specialties: pediatrics ($389,492), neurology ($378,948), rheumatology ($364,626), biochemistry ($358,703), endocrinology ($357,036) and preventive medicine and community health. At the other end of the profession, ophthalmologists earned an average of $754,696 and cardiologists $598,816. ked to comment on these figures, the FMSQ initially felt that they did not completely reflect reality. “They give a portrait that remains partial, because the actual amount of remuneration for medical specialists is less than that presented in these tables, replied its Director of Public Affairs and Communications by interim, Anne-Louise Chauvette. This is because the operating costs are not subtracted from it. For all specialties, the average of these fees fluctuates around 30%. However, for certain specialties, these expenses can represent up to 60% of the remuneration to cover the purchase of equipment or the salaries of employees. ” Asked to comment on these figures, the FMSQ initially felt that they did not completely reflect reality. “They give a portrait that remains partial, because the actual amount of remuneration for medical specialists is less than that presented in these tables, replied its Director of Public Affairs and Communications by interim, Anne-Louise Chauvette. This is because the operating costs are not subtracted from it. For all specialties, the average of these fees fluctuates around 30%. However, for certain specialties, these expenses can represent up to 60% of the remuneration to cover the purchase of equipment or the salaries of employees. ” It is a fact that, in recent years, the MSSS and the paying agency, the RAMQ, no longer publish the operating costs for each specialty, for both specialist and family physicians. It is therefore impossible to subtract them from the gross average incomes which are disclosed. “The realities are also very different from one type of practice to another,” adds Anne-Louise Chauvette. For some specialties, the basic salary reflects their medical activities while for others, certain increases are planned to pay for evening, night and weekend call duty, unfavorable hours, or even emergency care, etc. The cost of professional insurance varies from one specialty to another and represents a significant element. ” It is a fact that, in recent years, the ministry and the paying agency, the RAMQ, no longer publish the overhead costs for each specialty, for both specialist and family physicians. It is therefore impossible to subtract them from the gross average incomes which are disclosed. “The realities are also very different from one type of practice to another,” adds Anne-Louise Chauvette, also from the FMSQ. "For some specialties, the basic salary reflects their medical activities while for others, certain increases are planned to pay for evening, night and weekend call duty, unfavorable hours, or even emergency care, etc. The cost of professional insurance varies from one specialty to another and represents a significant element.” Notwithstanding these two aspects, the federation of medical specialists in Quebec admits that in the end, there are inequalities between the different disciplines and that work is underway, she indicated by email. The FMSQ has been saying for several years that it wants to reduce these major disparities in remuneration between its member specialties. However, this file is dragging on and the differences persist, to the detriment of the least well paid disciplines and in favour of the best paid. Asked to specify its targets for reducing these gaps, the means it was taking to achieve them and the timetable it had set itself to achieve them, the federation did not provide any specific answer. “It is indeed a priority file for the new administration,” Chauvette wrote. “This is a constantly evolving file with several stages. Some have been crossed. Work is in progress, and the objective is to tend towards fair and equitable prices which reflect the different medical practices.” Originally ran on our sister brand in Quebec, Profession Santé. Translated from French.

Pay differentials between specialties a 'priority file' says Quebec specialists group

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