More Quebec doctors turning to aesthetic medical industry

As demand for Botox and other aesthetic surgeries increases, the demand for doctors to perform them does as well.

As more people seek out Botox and other cosmetic procedures, the aesthetic medical industry is growing in Canada.

It’s not just a pull for patients – it’s attracting doctors, too.

“I’m happy that now I’m in an environment where there’s less stress,” said Dr. Jihane Cherkaoui, who completed medical school at the University of Montreal in 2009.

She trained in general surgery as well as oncoplastic surgery, then landed at LaSalle Hospital in 2016.

“I worked with some extremely passionate nurses and doctors and different health-care professionals at the hospital. But it’s difficult to work with a shortage of staff and lack of human resources,” she said.

Cherkaoui opened the aesthetic and medical clinic Le Clayemont with her business partner this year.

She’s one example of a trend where doctors are moving out of the hospital to provide injectables and regenerative care.

Though the Quebec College of Physicians doesn’t compile exact data on the subject, they told CTV News that professionals may, for instance, work 40 hours per week at a hospital and see patients for cosmetic medicine on top of that.

That’s the case with oncologist Mike Maed Osili.

“I had a dark, dark circle around my eyes after like 14 years of medicine and residency,” he said.

Working full-time at the hospital, Osili also does up to 15 hours of aesthetic medicine each week.

“People are happy with their appearance and I have an immediate results, so I’m less tired. I’m healthier. I work out more,” he said.

For both doctors, it’s about work-life balance.

Patients’ rights advocate Paul Brunet, though, said it affects access to medical care.

“We need more elements of motivation in the public regime if we want the professionals to stop leaving it,” he said.

While Cherkaoui agrees that hospital workers could benefit from better conditions, she isn’t looking back.

“Having more flexible hours compared to the hospital and working in an environment where our patients are valued and at the centre of the experience, it’s very rewarding,” she said.