Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, BSC, MD, LMCC, CCFP, DipSportMed CASEM, FCFP, CTH (ISTM), CCPE, Masters Cert Phys Leader, ICD.D is a comprehensive family doctor working in Manotick, Ontario, Board Director of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Chair of the General Assembly at Ontario Medical Association and Director for Longitudinal Leadership Curriculum at the University of Ottawa Undergraduate Medical Education. Editor in Chief/Author Journal of Current Clinical Care SPORTS MEDICINE, Past Chair Section of General and Family Practice Ontario Medical Association, Bruyere Foundation
Abstract
Healthcare providers in Ottawa face unprecedented challenges with 165,000+ orphaned patients, hospital deficits, and record wait times. Despite operating at maximum capacity with 400+ daily calls and 500 weekly patients, staff endure abuse, racial slurs, and harsh criticism. Physician burnout threatens to worsen the crisis. This commentary urges patients to show kindness and understanding, emphasizing that healthcare workers are struggling within an overstretched system while maintaining their commitment to patient care.
Key Words: Physician burnout, patient abuse, healthcare crisis, compassionate care.
The Human Cost of Healthcare Crisis
I see the pain in our community every single day. I know so many of you are facing uncertainty, battling stress, and dealing with serious health concerns. Your stories reach me constantly, and they genuinely break my heart.
We’re doing everything we can. But let me paint you a picture of what we’re working with.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Ottawa has more than 165,000 patients without a family doctor—and that’s likely a conservative estimate. Every family physician in the city receives countless requests to take on new patients daily. Meanwhile, nearly every hospital in our region is operating at a financial loss, spending more than government funding covers. This creates a cascade effect where hospitals can’t meet demand, backing up every service across our healthcare network.
Wait times for all medical services have reached unprecedented lengths in Ottawa. I wish I could tell you relief is coming soon, but the reality is that things will likely deteriorate further before we see improvement.
What I Understand vs. What I Cannot Accept
I understand your worry. I feel your stress. I recognize your uncertainty.
What I cannot understand is the cruelty.
Why must my team endure abuse? Why do patients hurl racial epithets at staff members? Why question our professionalism? Why post scathing reviews online? Do you believe these words and behaviors don’t wound us deeply?
The Reality of Our Daily Operations
Our reception team fields up to 400 calls daily. Without voicemails, we have no way to return your call. Given this volume, reaching someone immediately is nearly impossible. We strive to return all calls same-day, though sometimes it extends to the next day. Our online booking system exists, but when everyone requests lengthy appointments that we cannot accommodate, we must prioritize and redirect—perhaps to our Nurse Practitioner, a phone consultation, text messaging, or rescheduling. We operate six days weekly, some evenings until 8 p.m., seeing nearly 500 patients per week.