'A really big deal': UBC at risk of losing eye doctor training program
British Columbia’s only program that trains eye surgeons is at risk of losing its ability to prepare more specialist doctors, CTV News has learned.
Canada’s Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons issued a “notice of intent to withdraw accreditation” designation against the University Of British Columbia’s ophthalmology program, which would be an embarrassment to the university, as well as a blow to patients needing serious eye care.
When asked, UBC initially stated the program is accredited, which is technically true. But when CTV News pointed out that its status is at risk and it’s publicly verifiable in a rare notice to prospective doctors looking for Canadian residency placement in the specialist training program, they acknowledged improvements need to be made to avoid losing the ability to train more.
“The faculty and the university are taking this matter very seriously and have been working to improve the program in order to maintain accreditation throughout the past three years,” wrote Dr. Ravi Sidhu, an associate dean in Postgraduate Medical Education.
He added that UBC would be providing an update by early summer.
The Royal College would not comment on the situation, noting it’s up to universities to share details, but noted they typically assess training programs every eight years. A spokesperson said 15 to 20 per cent of their reviews require follow-up.
NEW GRADS ALREADY BEHIND THE POPULATION
Sources within the ophthalmology community expressed concern to CTV News that the 2020 designation had not resulted in sufficient improvements to maintain the training program, which would impact patients in the coming years.
Dr. Briar Sexton, a Vancouver eye doctor, surgeon, and board member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, is confident that UBC is taking the risk seriously but emphasized the implications are very serious.
"I think it's a really big deal," she said in her Kitsilano office. “We're training three people a year in this province but retiring closer to six – so just from attrition right now we're losing. We really can't afford to lose those three trainees per year.”
The COS warns that a “silver tsunami” of aging baby boomers will only increase workload for eye specialists, as aging has a major impact on eye health. Right now, macular degeneration alone causes deteriorating vision in 2.5 million Canadians.
A POLITICAL ISSUE AS WELL AS AN EDUCATIONAL ONE
Sexton revealed that for years, the BC Ophthalmological Association has been advocating for increased funding from the province to open more paid training opportunities for eye doctors, but found little interest from government.
“It's a politician's dream, because by not funding a spot today, we're not going to feel that shortage for 10, 15, 20 years by which time they no longer have the cycle of needing to get elected,” she said. “It's never going to be an election-cycle problem, which has made it really tough for us to get traction.”
The Ministry of Health says the program is not at risk of closure, but a spokesperson did not explain her confidence in the matter without any new funding or commitment from government.
“The Ministry works closely with UBC’s Faculty of Medicine to review residency allocation on an annual basis to ensure training is aligned with B.C.’s most pressing physician workforce needs,” an emailed statement to CTV News said.
Ophthalmologists like Sexton worry that with most of the public and media attention going to the ongoing family doctor crisis, specialists and patients alike will fall through the cracks.
I give talks about this and you can just see the shock and awe when I tell (people) we might not be there for them when they need us,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.