New details on why Saskatchewan surgeon was declined for job

A new study suggests Canadians are interested in using electronic communications to help manage their health care.

Dr. Lee Ekert never thought he'd face unemployment when he graduated as an orthopaedic specialist from the University of Saskatchewan.

He's joined an estimated 70 orthopaedic surgeons in the country who can't find work.

Ekert recently applied for an opening in Regina. The health region says it was swamped with applicants, 20 in total.

The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region could be choosy.  It wanted a surgeon with a sub speciality in feet and ankles and an out-of-province doctor got the job. Ekert's unique specialty is hips.

There are currently 3,000 patients in Regina who have waited longer than six months for surgery.  About half are in orthopaedics.  The health region could use Ekert's help, if only it could find the nurses needed to assist with more surgeries.