Quebec’s Federation of Family Doctors to Resume Teaching Medical Students
The Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ), representing family doctors in Quebec, has announced their decision to resume teaching medical students. This move follows the Quebec government’s fourth offer to the FMOQ and the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), the province’s medical specialists.
The government labeled their offer as the “final offer” and set a deadline for the doctors to respond by 9 a.m. Thursday. Premier Legault stated that if no breakthrough is achieved in negotiations by then, the government will introduce special legislation on Friday.
The proposed legislation aims to link 15% of doctors’ income to performance and make it illegal for them to cease teaching students. The FMOQ, responding to public pressure and a plea from the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, has agreed to halt the boycott of teaching medical students.
The FMOQ expressed disappointment that the government did not wait for their response before convening the National Assembly. They emphasized their commitment to negotiating with the government for a fair and lasting agreement that benefits both patients and family physicians.
Health Minister Christian Dubé urged doctors to make significant progress in the negotiations, recognizing the resistance to change among medical professionals but stressing the urgency of the situation.
The rejection of the government’s offer by the FMSQ has raised concerns about a potential mass exodus of doctors if a special law is enacted. The Liberal opposition and other health critics advocate for a negotiated agreement to avoid further destabilizing the healthcare system.
