Society of Rural Physicians of Canada worried about lack of evidence behind choice to lengthen family medicine residency

Amid debate around the addition of a third year to family medicine residency training in Canada,  the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada has expressed a number of concerns. 

In a recent press release the society noted that "any extension of residency training should be approached only after thorough consideration of risks, and with robust evidence of a potential to benefit rural medical education, physicians and communities."

First, the society said the extension to the residency could exacerbate the already insufficient number of family physicians practicing in rural areas. 

In addition, an extra year might prove to deter future physicians from picking family medicine in the first place, further limiting the flow of new family doctors sorely needed in rural communities, "particularly those with enhanced skills such as anesthesia, obstetrics, and surgical services."

The society noted a survey of learners it performed earlier in 2023 found 44% of them didn't think the new curriculum would make them more likely to take on comprehensive family practice. 

Further, the society highlighted a lack of comprehensive evidence behind the decision to extend the family medicine residency at all, noting that it, as an organization, had not been consulted. 

"The SRPC firmly believes that the issues, and solutions to this crisis, extend well beyond a lack of confidence by family medicine residents. In fact, the broader challenges lie in the urgent need to reform and modernize primary care practices, including shifting to team‐based care, reducing administrative burdens, and developing support networks for those in practice."