Doctor crashes Campbell's press conference

By Dan Hilborn
Published May 14, 2005


A doctor who has been unable to practise medicine since moving to British Columbia 10 years ago crashed the premier's press conference at the Ledgestone townhouse development last week, but he did not receive the promise he sought.

Dr. Parvinder Birdi, a 37-year-old general practitioner who was educated in India, wants the provincial government to commit to allowing more foreign-trained doctors to practise the profession.

"Currently, there are only six residency positions to train international medical graduates as general practitioners in B.C.," Birdi told the Burnaby NOW.

The disgruntled doctor said the NDP issued a press release earlier in the campaign that committed to opening a total of 25 residency seats for foreign-trained doctors - 20 in general practice and five in medical specialties - but the B.C. Liberals have yet to confirm their intentions, Birdi said.

"For me I don't think there's been any change. I'm still unemployed," Birdi said during the premier's press event.

Later, Birdi told the Burnaby NOW that Ottawa has agreed to fund $75 million to certify foreign professionals across the country over the next five years, and all that's needed is an agreement with the province on how that money will be spent in B.C.

Educated as a general practitioner with a specialty in family practice, Birdi said he has two years of postgraduate training and practiced medicine for three months before moving with his wife to Canada. He currently does "clinical training" at a walk-in clinic at Main and Marine Drive to keep his skills honed, but works at "odd jobs" to help support his family.

Birdi also lamented the difficulties in trying to find any kind of work. "I've tried other jobs, but I couldn't find another - it's not like medicine. When you go to other places they want experience, even for a cashier," he said.