'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.