Two takes on COVID-19

Dr. Steven Goluboff retired during the pandemic; Dr. Jared Diederichs is one of the physicians who took over his practice

By Girard Hengen

Longtime Saskatoon family physician Dr. Steven Goluboff admits to some regret about retiring while his colleagues continue to grapple with a resilient COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel that by retiring, I’m abandoning the ship,” he told the SMA. “I’m feeling a little bit guilty. Everyone says I’ve gone beyond the call of duty. How many guys in their 70s are still working in Saskatchewan? Probably not a lot, but I kind of feel like I shouldn’t quit now.”

Dr. Goluboff, who joined the forerunner to the City Centre Family Physicians (CCFP) practice in 1981, retired from CCFP on July 31, 2021 – but not totally from medicine.

“I’m still having too much fun being a doctor. I’m not tired of seeing patients,” he said. “I’ve said to my group, any time you need help or advice, just call me. I’ll give you a bit of guidance, because I want them to take good care of my patients.”

Dr. Steven Goluboff

He could be providing advice to Dr. Jared Diederichs, who along with another physician, Dr. Patrick McMahon, joined CCFP in 2018 to begin taking over from Dr. Goluboff as he tapered his workload. When the pandemic hit in spring 2020, Dr. Goluboff was preparing for retirement while Dr. Diederichs, who graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine in 2016, was just getting established.

“Nobody expected a global pandemic,” said Dr. Diederichs. “In the first five years of practice, every day is a learning opportunity, and I am still asking my colleagues and mentors for advice. I felt like my career was going as planned. I was building my practice, getting involved with undergraduate medical teaching, and exploring other areas of interest like obstetrics.”

That changed in March 2020. He said it has been hard to keep up with so much uncertainty and new information to digest.

I THINK THE PANDEMIC HAS ALSO SHOWN THE NEED TO STEP OUTSIDE OUR DEFINED ROLES TO ADDRESS NEEDS IN OTHER AREAS. I THINK FAMILY PHYSICIANS ARE UNIQUELY QUALIFIED AND ABLE TO DO JUST THAT WHEN THE NEED ARISES.

“It’s odd to think some people have gone their whole medical careers without experiencing something of this magnitude, yet it comes about so soon for myself and others,” Dr. Diederichs said. “Unfortunately, it may not be the last time, but my hope is that we will be better prepared both medically and politically in the future.”

Both physicians adapted quickly and easily to virtual care. They are grateful the Saskatchewan Medical Association and the Ministry of Health rapidly developed virtual care fee codes, which have been maintained as a pilot in the latest contract with the government. While it has benefits, the physicians agree virtual care is not appropriate in all situations and cannot fully replace face-to-face visits with patients. However, they hope and expect virtual care to continue in some form into the future.

“It’s an advantage to our patients and to the health system,” said Dr. Goluboff. “The costs? The government will figure that out, but at the end of the day patients won’t have to travel long distances for a simple 10-minute appointment... I think it is a revolution in the care of patients, not just here but all over the world. This is the future.”

Dr. Diederichs said another adaptation he has had to make is addressing the amount of misinformation that has circulated by providing clarity to patients. This includes motivating patients to take public health guidelines seriously and dealing with vaccine hesitancy. As he continues his medical career, pandemic-related issues will be paramount.

“We will have to continue to be vigilant and cautious, at least for now, regarding people with infectious symptoms or exposures to ensure the safety of others, while also providing quality care,” he said. “Motivating patients to continue to adhere to infection prevention and control measures while continuing to promote vaccination, will also be important even when the pandemic is ‘over.’ Lastly, I think the pandemic has also shown the need to step outside our defined roles to address needs in other areas. I think family physicians are uniquely qualified and able to do just that when the need arises.”

For Dr. Goluboff, the future will revolve around family, grandchildren, some work when needed – and golf. Photos and mementos adorn the walls of his home office, a reminder of a lifetime of service to his profession – including the College of Medicine and Saskatchewan Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada – and to Congregation Agudas Israel in Saskatoon. He was honoured in 2007 as Family Physician of Year and in 2004 received the B’nai Brith We’re Proud of you Award for community service.

“I’m a little nervous about retirement. I’m not really going cold turkey,” he said. “When I am done, I know I will be asked – could you be available? I could be a roving locum. I am retiring as a family doctor at CCFP, but I will continue if I am needed to support my group and my former patients, as I am loyal to both.” ◆