Author:
Barber Claire E.H.,Jewett Lauren,Badley Elizabeth M.,Lacaille Diane,Cividino Alfred,Ahluwalia Vandana,Averns Henry,Baillie Cory,Ellsworth Janet,Pope Janet,Levy Deborah,Charnock Christine,McGowan Claire,Thorne J. Carter,Barnabe Cheryl,Zummer Michel,Lundon Katie,McDougall Robert S.,Thomson John G.,Yacyshyn Elaine A.,Mosher Dianne,Brophy Julie,Ruban Thanu Nadarajah,Marshall Deborah A.
Abstract
Objective.To characterize the practicing rheumatologist workforce, the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) launched the Stand Up and Be Counted workforce survey in 2015.Methods.The survey was distributed electronically to 695 individuals, of whom 519 were expected to be practicing rheumatologists. Demographic and practice information were elicited. We estimated the number of full-time equivalent rheumatologists per 75,000 population from the median proportion of time devoted to clinical practice multiplied by provincial rheumatologist numbers from the Canadian Medical Association.Results.The response rate was 68% (355/519) of expected practicing rheumatologists (304 were in adult practice, and 51 pediatric). The median age was 50 years, and one-third planned to retire within the next 5–10 years. The majority (81%) were university-affiliated. Rheumatologists spent a median of 70% of their time in clinical practice, holding 6 half-day clinics weekly, with 10 new consultations and 45 followups seen per week. Work characteristics varied by type of rheumatologist (adult or pediatric) and by practice setting (community- or university-based). We estimated between 0 and 0.8 full-time rheumatologists per 75,000 population in each province. This represents a deficit of 1 to 77 full-time rheumatologists per province/territory to meet the CRA recommendation of 1 rheumatologist per 75,000 population, depending on the province/territory.Conclusion.Our results highlight a current shortage of rheumatologists in Canada that may worsen in the next 10 years because one-third of the workforce plans to retire. Efforts to encourage trainees to enter rheumatology and strategies to support retention are critical to address the shortage.
Publisher
The Journal of Rheumatology
Subject
Immunology,Immunology and Allergy,Rheumatology