Table of Contents
The impact of war on healthcare professionals
When conflict erupts, it doesn’t just disrupt lives; it dismantles entire systems, including healthcare. Alex Martsiv, a dedicated family doctor from Ukraine, experienced this firsthand. For 17 years, he served a rural community of about 5,000 people, providing essential medical care to ten villages.
However, the Russian invasion in 2022 forced him and his family to flee, leaving behind his practice and the life he had built. The trauma of witnessing missiles flying near his home was just the beginning of a challenging journey.
Relocating to Canada: A new beginning with hurdles
Arriving in Canada through the Emergency Travel Program, Martsiv settled in Abbotsford, B.C. While he hoped to quickly resume his medical career, he faced significant barriers. The process of verifying his Ukrainian medical credentials took 18 months, and he still needs to pass a series of costly exams, estimated at $6,000.
In the meantime, to support his family of seven, he has taken on work as a welder, a stark contrast to his passion for medicine. “I prefer to be a doctor because it’s my life,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of his situation.
Government initiatives and the call for action
The B.C. government has recognized the need for more healthcare professionals, implementing a revamped pay model for family doctors in 2023. This initiative aims to attract and retain physicians, with reports indicating that 835 new doctors have joined the system, connecting approximately 250,000 people to primary care.
However, critics like Abbotsford South Conservative MLA Bruce Bannerman argue that the system is failing individuals like Martsiv, who are ready and willing to work but face financial barriers. Bannerman has taken Martsiv’s case to the legislature, urging the government to expedite the process for qualified refugees.
Hope for the future
Premier David Eby has expressed a desire to assist Martsiv in resuming his medical practice, stating, “I’m happy to work with the member to see whatever we can do to get him off the sidelines and into our hospitals.” Martsiv remains hopeful, eager to return to his calling and help those in need. His story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of healthcare professionals and the urgent need for systems that support their reintegration into the workforce.
