The professional perspective--why get involved?

Four myths threaten Canadian medical education and the health care system. These myths are: (1) that health care costs are out of control; (2) that physicians can stimulate demand for health services; (3) that health research is a nicety; and (4) that health is an externality to considerations of economic policy. These myths tend to focus current concerns on sustainability, rather than on the ideal of continuous improvement. Comparative examinations reveal that Canadian health care spending is not out of line with that in other developed countries and suggest relative efficiency in the Canadian health care system. A broad and introspective approach to medicine is required that can critically address diverse issues such as variance in clinical practice patterns and the impact of poverty and unemployment. If health care educators can enshrine this approach in medical schools, professional medicine will be able to respond to the changing needs of Canadian society.