DOING YOUR PART
I am writing in reference to the article "Canadian docs, Ugandan villagers harmonize for kids' health" (page 12, Vol 1 No 19). I lived in Uganda for five years and certainly can appreciate the situation. I may join the group to help out the situation. I did inquire with Doctors Without Borders, but they need a one-year commitment.

Dr Irene C D'Souza
Willowdale, ON

OMA's RAW DEAL
In the beginning it was smooth sailing for the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and I was happy to pay them to practise. Then the Coalition of Family Physicians started bombarding us with lengthy faxes detailing how we shouldn't trust the OMA system. Now the OMA wants us to vote on a new system. But where do I fit in? The new system doesn't deal with me, the hated walk-in clinic MD. Why are we despised? Is it because we decrease the ER overload, work after hours and weekends? Or is it because we help the acutely sick who may otherwise have to wait one to three weeks for an appointment with their beloved doctors?

Where was the support I needed when I worked in the office or on call? I even did obstetric calls solo, I might add. I also assisted in the OR and worked 6 to 10pm in the first after-hours clinic on Main Street in Ottawa back in the 70s.

Is there even any help for me now, when I'm burnt out and left to an empty nest by kids who had to raise themselves? They don't know that a mother is also essential for a good upbringing ? full stomachs and clean laundry alone isn't enough!

Dr Nishat Siddiqui
Ottawa, ON

For more on the struggle faced by women MDs, see "Physician survey breeds discontent". ? Ed

Doctors, we want to know what you think. If you have any comments, criticisms or congratulations on anything you have read in the paper, send us a letter. Email us at [email protected] or fax 514-397-0228