July

The BC Medical Association, founded in 1900, recently changed its name to Doctors of BC. About 30 years ago the name Doctors BC was suggested (BCMJ 2014;56:170), at a time when complementary and alternative medicine practitioners were not allowed to have the title of doctor. I frequently see a full-page advertisement in the Province that is placed by a doctor for patients with neuropathy. A Google search for this doctor reveals him to have BSc and DC degrees.

I am a retired physician in Vancouver (cardiology), and having worked here for just under 50 years—in hospital as well as a clinic—I have had to think about the end-of-life problem all too often. I am glad to see discussions on this thorny issue are finally beginning.

I was recently reminded of the frailty and vulnerability of our allotted time. At the end of every day I enjoy a walk around Deer Lake to reflect on the challenges of work and to plan the next day. On one of my recent walks I noticed a toddler playing alone at the shoreline. Two young women were playing with several other children 50 metres away, and, after some prodding from me, one eventually sauntered off to retrieve him.

While I appreciate the opinions expressed by Dr Wong, our name change was implemented to help our association and its members become more influential in promoting positive change in our health care system. This is what our members expressed they wanted us to be able to do.

On 8 September 2014 an 18-week trial, which is being called “the biggest legal case in Canadian history,” will finally begin before the Supreme Court of British Columbia (www.charterhealth.ca). The outcome of this case will significantly impact the health system. At a time when access issues are severely impacting medical care, all should welcome the fact that we will have an objective, evidence-based decision that will end the monopolistic system that is harming Canadian patients.