Take action – shortage of dermatologists

While millions of Canadians are affected by often debilitating skin issues, there are fewer than 600 dermatologists across the country to help them. Many people must wait a minimum of six weeks to see a dermatology specialist in urban centres, and much longer in more rural areas.

Everyday people of all ages deal with the pain, stigma and isolation of serious skin conditions and diseases. The longer these sufferers wait to see a dermatologist, the more physical, emotional and social distress they endure.

Skin disorders don’t discriminate, but our society does. Forcing people to wait to deal with symptoms ranging from burning and itching to severe physical disfigurement results in unacceptable personal social and economic burdens. Without appropriate access to care, we are forcing people to suffer, usually in isolation.

And the effects of skin conditions reverberate far beyond the person affected. Family life can revolve around it, relationships are damaged, workplace productivity can be reduced or completely eliminated.

With roughly one dermatologist for every 55,000 Canadians, skin patients are grossly under-serviced.

Worse still, by 2020, about half of Canada’s dermatologists are expected to stop clinical practice or retire.

Estimates suggest that in five years time, twice as many Canadian dermatologists will retire than will graduate from residency training programs. In fact, there are barely enough practicing dermatologists to teach the 70 or so dermatology residents currently in training in Canada.

This is occurring at a time when skin cancer rates are increasing rapidly and these specialists are even more needed.

Only an immediate, organized strategy to deal with this critical shortage of dermatologists will help improve skin patients’ access to quality health care. Tell your provincial member of parliament how important this issue is to you.

Step One:

Enter your information in the required fields below and click the “submit” button. This information allows us to match you with your provincial member of parliament and assist you in sending a letter directly expressing your concerns.

Once you click the “submit” button, another page will come up with a sample letter you can edit and send.