Press release

"Medical Specialists are People to be Valued"

Montreal, August 3, 2005 ­ "Value" is the key concept in the extensive awareness campaign launched by the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (FMSQ) on August 1.  The campaign will be brought to the public in the form of billboards and radio messages, and its prime purpose will be to make Quebecers aware of the valuable resource represented by their medical specialists.

Value of Professionalism

"The Quebec public is entitled to a clearer understanding of the valuable work undertaken by medical specialists and, just as real, their valuable contribution to our health system," explained Dr. Yves Dugré, FMSQ President. When treating patients, medical specialists constantly have to overcome and compensate for the limitations imposed by today's health care system.  Whether it be saving an arm from amputation or managing patients for depression, thousands of children and adults benefit from the outstanding knowledge of some 8,000 Quebec medical specialists every day.

The FMSQ appreciates the fact that the results of a survey* last fall showed that 90% of Quebecers consider medical specialists competent and have confidence in their skills.  This present campaign is designed to remind the general public that it can continue to rely on its medical  specialists, despite certain restrictions imposed on the latter's conditions of practice.

A Simple, Realistic Awarenes Campaign

The billboards highlight patients' spontaneous appreciation.  They are complemented by radio messages that add a fuller dimension to the medical specialist/patient relationship and the unique level of responsibility assumed by specialists.

The Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec numbers nearly 8,000 members, representing 34 specialties. The sole agency recognized by government to negotiate collective agreements for medical specialists, the FMSQ is also consulted on every aspect of the organization of medical  care in Quebec.

• Source: Zins Beauchesne et associés survey conduct ed in September 2004 on 600 people, 18 years of age and over.  The margin of error is 4%, 19 times out
  of 20.
  

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