- 10% of emergency physicians in Canada have left their specialty, according to a national survey.
- The findings are part of a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal based on a 2025 survey.
- Nearly half of the survey respondents reported reducing their clinical hours, while 20% took time off due to burnout.
- The authors of the study characterized the loss of emergency physicians as a 'crisis for the Canadian system'.
- The study surveyed 410 emergency medicine physicians across all provinces and territories except Yukon and Nunavut.
- The findings indicate that women and younger physicians reported higher rates of burnout.
- Dr. Catherine Varner noted that her colleagues have been experiencing consistent burnout since 2020, which has become the 'new normal'.
- The study highlights extremely high patient volumes and long wait times, leading to substandard care.
One in ten emergency physicians in Canada have left their specialty, according to a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The survey, which included 410 emergency medicine doctors, revealed that 48% reduced their clinical hours and 20% took time off due to burnout.2
The authors characterize this attrition as a crisis in the Canadian healthcare system, highlighting the impact on patient care. Women and younger physicians reported higher rates of burnout, with many feeling the system is broken.6
Dr. Catherine Varner, a deputy editor with CMAJ, noted that her colleagues have faced consistent burnout since 2020, making it the “new normal” even post-pandemic. The study also found that extremely high patient volumes and long wait times have led to assessments being conducted in corridors, resulting in substandard care.78
To address this crisis, the authors urge governments to invest in specialized geriatric emergency care and expand staffing to meet patient needs beyond the ER. They emphasize the necessity of closing gaps in patient care to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system.
The findings underscore a growing concern for the future of emergency medicine in Canada, as the healthcare system struggles to cope with increasing demands and limited resources.
“The survey, involving 410 emergency medicine physicians, highlights that nearly half have reduced their hours and 20% have taken time off due to burnout. Dr. Catherine Varner emphasized that the situation has become the 'new normal' for many since 2020, raising concerns about the future of emergency care in Canada.”
