The skin mission
DERMATOLOGY AWARENESS GROUP - CANADA
DAG-C is dedicated to improving the lives of skin patients in Canada through awareness and support.
About Dermatology Awareness Group - Canada
What We Do
Dermatology Awareness Group – Canada is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness for individuals with skin conditions. Through our initiatives, we raise awareness about dermatological diseases, and provide essential resources and support for those living with skin conditions.
Better Health care for Canadians
Military and Veteran Support
The Skin Mission
The right doctors, faster diagnosis.
Current Dermatologist Wait Times
Ontario
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 6 months
In Ontario, the most populous province, patients are often waiting months to see a dermatologist. The demand for dermatological services has skyrocketed, while the number of specialists has not kept pace. This has led to extended wait times, with some patients waiting up to six months or more for an appointment, particularly in rural areas where specialists are even scarcer. Family doctors, too, are overwhelmed, with many patients struggling to secure appointments for general medical issues, which can delay referrals to dermatologists even further.
British Columbia
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 6-10 months
British Columbia faces similar challenges to Ontario, with significant wait times for both dermatologists and primary care physicians. In urban areas like Vancouver, patients report delays of several months, while those in more remote regions often experience even longer waits. The shortage of healthcare professionals in these areas means that patients might have to travel long distances to receive care, adding another layer of difficulty.
In 2023, B.C. introduced a comprehensive action plan in its budget to significantly invest in the health care system. This initiative has led to an increase in family doctors within the province. However, it has also triggered a trend of doctors from other provinces relocating to B.C. for these opportunities.
Alberta
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 4 months
The province has seen an increase in wait times due to a growing population and limited availability of specialists. Additionally, a growing trend has emerged where numerous health practitioners and specialists are leaving the province to pursue job opportunities in other regions.
In some cases, patients may wait over six months for a dermatologist, leading to potential worsening of skin conditions that could have been managed more effectively with earlier intervention.
Quebec
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 8-12 months
In Quebec, the situation is compounded by language barriers and the complex nature of the healthcare system. The province has been struggling with a shortage of family doctors for years, leading to delays in getting referrals to dermatologists. Patients in Montreal and other major cities report similar wait times as those in Ontario and British Columbia, while those in rural Quebec may wait even longer.
Maritimes
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 9+ months
The Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, face unique challenges due to their smaller populations and more dispersed healthcare resources. Patients here often face some of the longest wait times in the country, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to specialists is extremely limited. The shortage of healthcare professionals in these provinces exacerbates the issue, leading to significant delays in both primary and specialized care.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 6+ months
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the challenges are similar to those in other provinces, with long wait times for dermatologists and family doctors alike. These provinces have a mix of urban and rural populations, with those in rural areas particularly impacted by the lack of available healthcare providers. Patients may wait several months for a specialist appointment, with the added burden of having to travel long distances for care.
Northern Territories
AVERAGE WAIT TIMES: 12-18 months (if at all)
The situation in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut is particularly acute. The sparse population and vast geographical distances mean that access to healthcare, including dermatological care, is extremely limited (some reports even suggesting there are no dermatologists that are accessible in these regions). Patients in these regions often face the longest delays in the country, with many waiting over a year to see a medical professional who has any training in dermatology. The reliance on visiting specialists from other provinces further complicates the situation, making timely care a significant challenge.
