Should older family physicians retire?: YES

Michel Racine

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Re "Should older physicians retire?"
Paul Marner

Published on: 08 March 2012

Published on: (8 March 2012)
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Re "Should older physicians retire?"
Paul Marner, MD
It is a burning question as so many are retiring and I believe there are inadequate replacements, particularly family practitioners. Thee two articles on pages 22 and 23 of the January edition of the Canadian Family Physician are interesting in their contrasting ideologies.
Dr. Michel Racine, who would replace the old and experienced generation makes much of " ... we have to retire eventually" and "... there's more...
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It is a burning question as so many are retiring and I believe there are inadequate replacements, particularly family practitioners. Thee two articles on pages 22 and 23 of the January edition of the Canadian Family Physician are interesting in their contrasting ideologies.
Dr. Michel Racine, who would replace the old and experienced generation makes much of " ... we have to retire eventually" and "... there's more to life than work..." and "... we lose vitality" and we are going to die. How insightful! He believes that older doctors may not be able to keep up with modem innovations and technological advances. He is correct. But is family practice only a technological discipline with computerized medicine, guidelines by "experts" and 'best practice' algorithms?
Dr. Gordon Dickie comments on the value derived from experience. A "real" family doctor has relationships, often longstanding, with patients. Much of famil y practice is based on psychology and depends on a well developed mutual understanding and respect. This is also of value to those who derive significant satisfaction in helping others.
The traditional G.P is as concerned with treating the person as well as the disease. This is lost on those who advocate walk-in clinics and other 'quick fix' solutions for access to medical care. Unfortunately the popularity of alternative medical practitioners is due to their stated holistic approach to care. Currently doctors like Dr. Racine emphasize the science and not the art of medicine, which is developed over time. The older family physician will recognize his/her limitations and defer to the technicians and scientists appropriately (e.g. the specialists, dieticians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers, accountants and even lawyers!). He/she is the counselor and gatekeeper for the inclusive health of his/her patients.
So retain and respect the grey hairs!
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.