Sask. liver doctor who splits time with military trauma duties says more support needed

Saskatchewan has a severe shortage of doctors trained to treat liver disease.

The Canadian military is also short of combat medical specialists.

Dr. Nabeel Samad is trying to help on both fronts.

Samad works part-time in Saskatoon as a hepatologist, helping dozens of patients before and after their liver transplants. He's also a major in the Canadian military, training other doctors in highly specialized trauma care.

Samad said he often works more than 70 hours per week. A severe shortage of hepatologists means there's often no one else available to see these patients.

"These patients, if they're not getting seen by a hepatologist, they're not getting proper care. And if they're not getting proper care, unfortunately the mortality as well as morbidity is very, very high," he said in a recent interview at his downtown Saskatoon clinic.

At last word, Samad and two other extremely busy hepatologists were responsible for all patients in the province. One of them is hoping to retire soon.

According to health officials, Manitoba has nine hepatologists and Alberta has 25. Saskatchewan officials say they are trying hard to recruit more.

Chad Hartl is one of the people who need a hepatologist. The Saskatoon man is in Edmonton recovering from a successful liver transplant. He has been released from hospital but is staying in a short-term rental while the transplant team continues to monitor him for several more weeks.

Hartl said he can't thank Samad enough for caring for him in the period leading to the transplant. He said Samad would often call to ask how he was feeling, or advocate for him to get onto the transplant list.

"He's been very integral to me getting a transplant. He's been nothing but great. I can't say enough about the man," Hartle said.

As for his military duties, Samad is often called away to conduct training for other health professionals. He is trained to provide trauma care in helicopters, on the battlefield or elsewhere.

He has not yet been deployed, but with increasing conflict internationally and increasing demands on the military in Canada, he knows that day may come.

"That work is extremely crucial for our defence forces. We as military physicians, we offer care to our members no matter where they are," he said.

With two kids and a wife, who is also a medical specialist, Samad said the key is advance planning for both his professional and family commitments. But even with that, he often feels there are not enough hours in the day.

"I wish I could do more. I wish not just myself, but like every other hepatologist had the support that we need. And support is not just physicians, but it's also nurses who specialize in this care. We need social workers who specialize with these patients. We need dieticians, we need therapy. So we need a full team of health-care providers," Samad said.

"Having so many commitments, I just feel overwhelmed. At the end of the day, I feel helpless."

Hartl said he's grateful that Samad is able to help him, but agreed more support is needed for everyone from organ donors to health professionals.

"He has gone far beyond anything I ever expected since I got this disease, so has the whole team," Hartl said.

"He is the single biggest reason I am where I am. I am so appreciative."

Asked for comment, a Saskatchewan Health Authority spokesperson said the SHA is grateful for Dr. Samad's work. They also said Saskatchewan offers many benefits to specialist physicians.