CCFP-EM versus FRCP.

To the Editor: It has been a few years since the furor 1–8 in the CAEP Commu-nique regarding the debate as to whether the two tracks into Canadian emergency specialization should be merged or adjusted in some way, so it is probably time for those emotional letters to start again. Some CCFP-EM graduates, like myself, still suffer from a " second class citizen " complex and are without means to dig ourselves out of it (so that we can concentrate on our other complexes). I propose that CAEP considers awarding of " Fellowships " of the organization to emergency physicians who have made meaningful contributions to the field of emergency medicine in Canada (much like the CFPC does with the FCFP). The " FCAEP " could be a goal to which EPs from each track could aspire. To the Editor: Quebec Premier Bernard Landry recently discussed the death of Claude Dufresne, 1 a 51-year-old man from Shawinigan who sustained a heart attack but could not be treated in the ED in Shawinigan, which was closed because of a staff shortage. Dufresne was transferred to Trois Rivières, but died en route. Gaps in the emergency health system are not unique to Quebec. There are other examples in Canada of tragic deaths because of difficulties in emergency health care delivery. Kyle Martin died while waiting in the overcrowded waiting room of the Credit Valley Hospital in suburban Toronto. 2 Joshua Fleuelling, also of Toronto, died of asthma. 3 His transport to hospital was complicated by ambulance diversion. These were people who looked to the emergency system in their hour of greatest need, and the system, through lack of planning, failed them. As Mr. Landry suggests, Mr. Chrétien should be sensitized by the tragedies his constituents endure. The Prime Minister, in searching for a health care legacy, should commit to a course of action that prevents these tragedies from recurring. Unfortunately, the Romanow and Kirby reports 4,5 barely acknowledge the national crisis in emergency care and offer little in the way of credible solutions. The crisis will not be solved by home care, pharmacare or primary care reform , no matter how important these initiatives ultimately prove to be. Mr. Chrétien should insist that emergency health care is given prominence in all future discussion on health care reform. He should vigorously support a national forum on emergency health care. Letters will be considered …