Province woos cancer doctors with raises

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador gave $73,000 raises to its three gynecologic oncologists, who responded by taking back their resignations.

The offer was also extended to pediatric and hematologic oncologists, for a total of about 12 specialists, the Globe and Mail reported from St. John's.

The raises means the cancer doctors' salaries will be between $350,000 and $400,000, the report said.

The three female gynecologic oncologists had posted notice they were leaving this year, meaning their 1,500 patients would have to be treated in another province and face major travel expenses.

One of the oncologists, Dr. Cathy Popadiuk, told the newspaper the raises were a beacon that other calls for better resources will be heeded.

"We didn't get everything we wanted but there's enough good faith that they will work through the issues," she said. "That doesn't make us the best-paid in the country -- we're still among the lowest."

Monday, Premier Danny Williams personally called the doctors with the offer, which Popadiuk said felt "like having moved a mountain," the Globe said.

There are about 60 gynecologic oncologists in all of Canada, the report said.