DR. PARFREY'S REFRESHING FRANKNESS

Dr. Pat Parfrey

The number of people who turned out to hear well-known nephrologist (kidney specialist) and rugby coach, Dr. Pat Parfrey, kick off his lecture tour on behalf of a group called “Choosing Wisely NL” (CWNL) was far too small given that he had so many important things to say. 

CWNL, a program conducted by Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, has been established to advance "the safe and appropriate use of health care resources," or what Parfey describes as the balance of benefits versus potential harms.

The small group of listeners belied the deepening concern over the financial crisis unfolding in our health care system, and its inescapable linkage with the even larger one facing the province. 

It is not often that the public, or even policy wonks, are treated to a blunt and politically unfettered chat about deep-seated problems and of an organized plan to fix some of them. But that is exactly what the long-practiced and straight-talking physician had on offer. Free of all the junk of professional ass-covering, the doctor’s frankness was refreshing.