Questioning physicians about health conditions at medical licensure registration: How should policy evolve in Canada?

Physicians have higher rates of depression, anxiety, burnout and suicidal ideation than the general population, but are less likely to seek treatment. Questions on medical licensure applications may pose barriers to disclosure and help-seeking for physicians with medical conditions and can lead to negative impacts on both physician health and patient care. Recent Canadian and international guidance states that questions on licensure applications should focus on current functional impairment rather than the presence of diagnosis or past impairment. Most Canadian jurisdictions do not follow the current guidance.