So what's life like for a family doctor in Canada?

[carpetbagger]

I'm not on the "Bush re-elected and I move to Canada" track, but I think within about 8-10 years I'll need to seriously consider my children's future, not so much from military drafts, war without end, eroding liberties and other stuff, but more from the problem in the states of having to work like a dog to get ahead, and even then not having basic social security. So long as immigration rules don't change in a dramatic fashion, I'll have plenty of points to qualify.

So my questions are these:

How much does a Canadian FP work in a day, and in a week?
How many patients per hour or day do they see?
How hard is it to find a job in Soutwestern BC, Southern Ontario, the area around Ottawa, or Nova Scotia, relatively close to a good sized town?
What kind of salary is offered? (I've checked the provincial sites, so I have some averages, but no real idea of a typical package).
Bonus question: what kind of tax penalties would I get (other than GST) on money saved while employed in the states?

[Maple]

1. Dunno if we have any doctors on here

but here's a link to the Ontario Medical association in my province.

http://www.oma.org/

[Malva Zebrina]

2. Today, my husband and I were discussing what we would do if

we had to suffer four more years of Bush. We agreed we will sell our house in Maine and move to Nova Scotia a place where the simple life is cherished. It would be somewhere near the border, as we are too old to become citizens and our health care is a consideration--Medicare is the only insurance we carry so would have to go across the border for any health care needs.

I could not bear another four years of tyranny and wars and killing of thousands of innocents, babies and children and destruction of our constitution, in order to stuff the pockets of the war profiteers, cronies of Bush and Cheney and to go along with the neo-con barbarism of pre-emtive attacks on anyone or any country this insane man deems needs to be invaded for the purposes of stuffing the pockets of corporations and for his own insane grandiose ideas. I do not want to be connected to a country that embraces that.

We love Canada and go there often

[3trievers]

3. We love Canada and go there often

And Canada loves you and welcomes your visits.Have a great Labour Day.

[Hand]

6. Hmm... near the border?

That could be problematic in NS. You have to cross New Brunswick ("Province of Swine") to reach the US border. I'm not sure how medical care works for ono-citizens, although I'm sure you wouldn't be refused!

BTW, a lot of people from Lunenberg County here sound exactly like Maine Yankees; very curious!

:hi:

[Joel]

4. In...

Nova Scotia we're always looking for new doctors. Our Biggest city is the Halifax Region Municipality. It has about 300 000 people and has a great night life. We have a ton of great golf courses close by if that's your thing. We have all the chain stores and restaurants you're used too in most American cities. Your commute would vary depending on were you wanted to live and work, but you could have just about any combination of workplace and home no more than half an hour or 45 minutes apart.

Doctors here work on a salary or on a few for services basis. You won’t have any trouble getting patients as a good FP is a dream come true for a lot of folks. For specifics you can contact the office of Nova Scotia Health Minister Angus MacIsaac

As for taxes we have a provincial sales tax as well so total sales tax on most things is 15%, but on stuff like books you just pay the 7% GST. Alcohol and Tobacco are taxed a bit more too, but hey are beer is way better anyway ;) . Once you’re a citizen healthcare coverage is public insurance with the exception of prescriptions, eye, and dental (Note 1: as a FP I'm almost 100% sure you’ll get coverage anyway so that doesn’t effect you or you’re family Note 2: some eye and dental bills for kids are covered as well.) I’m not sure about the savings. Ask the ministers office and they will probably find out for you or tell you who would know.

[Hand]

5. Welcome to DU, Joel...

Another Nova Scotian! We're taking over here! Hmm, not sure what to do after that, though...

:hi:

[Joel]

7. thanks

After we finish the take over of DU will should become body builders and run for Governor in any state we can :P

[carpetbagger]

8. Thanks for your responses.

Like I said, it's not a tomorrow thing or a 2005 thing. I've got a decent job, and have some time until I would need to make a choice about this. But it's comforting to know that I have some choice whether or not to live in a corporate dystopia.

And tell all your friends not to drink the blue Kool-Aid. It might make you drunk, but your children will inherit your hangover.