NEW AGREEMENT WITH MEDICAL RESIDENTS

The University of Saskatchewan and the Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Saskatchewan (PAIRS) have a new agreement.

The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008, was ratified this past week by the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors and the PAIRS membership.

The settlement is modelled on the recent agreement with the Saskatchewan Medical Association.  It includes base salary increases of 2.8 per cent each year over four years, enhancements to benefits and the creation of a new on-call stipend program.

“Keeping and attracting health professionals is a top priority of this government, and I am hopeful this deal will assist in retaining medical graduates in this province,” Health Minister Len Taylor said.  “Medical residents play a vital role in our health system and this agreement recognizes them as key members of the health care team.”
 
“We are pleased a settlement has occurred.  We value our residents and acknowledge the vital role they play in patient care,” University of Saskatchewan Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. William Albritton said.  “Out of all graduates from our college who take their residency here in Saskatchewan, more than 60 per cent stay and practise in the province.  This agreement is important because it means that the majority of doctors we train here will stay here.”

“We are quite happy over the new contract,” PAIRS president Dr. Samaad Malik said.  “The changes to on-call programs in the new contract clearly acknowledge important issues of physician well-being and resident education.  This reflects a commitment to improved patient care which is very important to residents.”

PAIRS is the professional association representing 260 medical graduates who are completing post-graduate training through the University of Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca