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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

CLINICAL TOOLS

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.
System Overwhelm: Ottawa has 165,000+ orphaned patients with hospitals operating at structural deficits, creating cascading delays across all healthcare services.
Operational Reality: Family practices handle 400+ daily calls and 500+ weekly patients, requiring complex triage and extended hours while managing impossible demand.
Staff Abuse Crisis: Healthcare workers face daily verbal abuse, racial slurs, and online harassment, accelerating burnout and threatening to worsen patient access.
Collaborative Solution: Patient kindness, realistic expectations, and trust in medical advice are essential to sustaining an overstretched healthcare system.
Triage Communication: When patients understand that ear infections and mental health crises require different response times, they’re more likely to accept appropriate care pathways and scheduling
Medication Management: Proactive patient self-monitoring of prescription refills and utilizing pharmacist renewal services can significantly reduce urgent appointment demands.
Burnout Prevention: Protecting healthcare staff from patient abuse is not just about workplace wellness—it’s a patient safety issue that directly impacts care access and quality.
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Related Terms: Law and Ethics, Physician burnout, patient abuse, Healthcare crisis, compassionate care
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