Thousands of patients abandoned by their doctor’s retirement: “It’s hell”, says a general practitioner

Doctors from the Laurentians who will soon retire are discouraged by the “hell” of having to abandon hundreds of patients without follow-up, even if many are very vulnerable.

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“It’s hell. Who am I going to give my 1300 patients to? asks the D^r Louis-Jean Deslauriers, based in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. We develop an extremely strong bond and we end our career on a bitter note. […] Several patients tell me: “You can’t go!”

“It demolishes me,” admits the D^r Richard Latulippe, 69 years old, who practices in Mont-Laurier, in the Laurentians.

A general practitioner for 45 years, the latter had nevertheless warned his patients in 2021 that he would stop working in 2023. Posters were posted in his clinic and his patients were encouraged to register at the access desk to a doctor in family (GAMF).

A “not good” situation

However, in 2023, only 600 of the 2,400 patients had found a doctor. So that the D^r Latulippe decided to continue.

“The situation is not good,” admits the man who plans to quit for good at the end of 2024. “I have a clientele that is difficult to give up, many are elderly or have chronic illnesses.”

Every year, thousands of Quebec patients find themselves orphans overnight, due to the retirement of their general practitioner. Even if they re-register with the GAMF, many will wait years before finding a doctor. Currently, 5,127 doctors are over 60 years old in Quebec, or 23% of the workforce. The number of retirements will therefore accelerate soon.

According to the Federation of General Practitioners of Quebec (FMOQ), the problem of patients abandoned due to retirement is widespread in the province, but worse in remote regions.

“For us, it’s a disaster,” admits the D^r Martin de la Boissière, secretary of the board of directors of the FMOQ for Saguenay-Lac St-Jean.

The end of the agreement for orphan patients at the First Line Access Center (GAP) since May 31 will also put more pressure on the system.

In the small town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, 14 family doctors left last year alone (retirement, private). For the D^r Deslauriers, 64 years old, it is obvious that his departure will leave hundreds of patients without follow-up. He also recently underwent surgery, but his convalescence was shortened.

“It’s extremely heartbreaking,” saddens the man who considered continuing part-time, but ultimately chose retirement for several reasons.

Very anxiety-inducing

“It’s very anxiety-inducing for patients and very boring for me,” he notes. I love my patients, that’s what pains me the most.”

For these general practitioners who have worked for more than 40 years, it is clear that this work is extremely rewarding, but also tiring.

“When you’ve been doing this for 45 years, it’s part of you,” admits the D^r Latulippe who is torn at the idea of ​​leaving his patients. I deeply love my job.”