Most Alberta physicians are responsible for running and financing their own practices. That means the payments they receive aren’t a salary; they’re the revenue used to run an entire medical practice. Before doctors pay themselves, they first cover the costs of delivering care.
On average, about 40% of physician billings go toward business expenses, and for some practices it’s even higher.
These costs include:
Only after these expenses are paid do physicians take home income -and they pay taxes on that income. And unlike many other professions, physicians don’t receive pensions, paid sick leave or employer-funded health benefits.
Physicians don’t work a standard 9-to-5 schedule.
Beyond patient visits, they spend hours reviewing test results, updating charts, coordinating care and following up with patients. Many are also on call.
In Alberta, physicians work roughly 50 hours per week on average plus an additional 25 hours on call. This heavy workload contributes to rising concerns about physician burnout.
Becoming a physician requires significant time and investment.
Some doctors train for up to 16 years after high school. They enter the workforce later, often with substantial student debt and have fewer years to earn, save and plan for retirement. Ongoing education is also required to maintain licensure.
Patient numbers alone don’t reflect the full picture of a physician’s work.
Some patients may need a single visit. Others require ongoing, complex care that takes more time, resources and coordination.
This is why focusing only on how many patients a doctor sees or their total billings can be misleading.
Physician practices are part of Alberta’s broader economy. Doctors employ at least 25,000 Albertans, including nurses, assistants, managers, technicians and other professionals. Their work supports both patient care and local communities across the province.
An honest conversation about physician compensation needs to look beyond gross billings.
Business costs matter. Work hours matter. Training matters. Understanding the full picture is essential to building a sustainable health care system and ensuring Albertans continue to receive the care they depend on.
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