The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) has been surveying members on satisfaction since 2011. This biennial survey, conducted by an external research firm in collaboration with Doctors of Nova Scotia, provides valuable insights that help shape the NBMS’s work.
The 2025 Membership Satisfaction Survey took place between January 15 and February 5, gathering responses from 474 members, a 17% response rate, consistent with previous years. The survey explored key aspects of member satisfaction and engagement with the NBMS.
Key Findings
Member Engagement
Among the 474 respondents:
- 42% report moderate engagement.
- 39% report low engagement.
- 15% are actively engaged.
- 11% are interested but uncertain about how to get involved.
Most members cite lack of time and general satisfaction with their current level of involvement as the main reasons for limited engagement. Some members, however, expressed interest in becoming more involved but are unsure of the next steps.
Top suggestions for improving representation
- Stronger advocacy and more equal representation.
- Improved government negotiations.
- Better fee schedules and pay equity.
- Enhanced compensation rates.
Satisfaction with NBMS Membership Fees
Satisfaction with the value of NBMS membership fees has increased:
- 56% of members are satisfied (up 11 points from 2023).
- 26% express neutral opinions.
- 15% remain unsatisfied.
- 3% were unsure or found it not applicable.
NBMS Performance and Perceptions
Overall satisfaction with the NBMS has improved in key areas:
- 77% of members are satisfied with NBMS communications (+5 points from 2023).
- 65% are satisfied with service delivery (+3 points).
- 63% are satisfied with the support provided (-3 points).
- 43% are satisfied with NBMS’s work on compensation issues (+7 points), though 20% remain dissatisfied.
Effectiveness in Key Areas
- 51% believe the NBMS effectively advocates for physicians with the government (+2 points).
- 44% see the NBMS as effective in educating the public on health-care issues (steady from 2023).
- 44% believe the NBMS is improving physicians’ public image (+6 points).
- 42% feel the NBMS effectively influences health policy (+3 points).
Meanwhile, there have been fluctuations in other areas:
- 37% feel the NBMS is securing fair remuneration for members (-2 points).
- 30% believe the NBMS is ensuring fair fee code values (+4 points).
- 61% feel the NBMS effectively supports physician wellness (-4 points).
- 72% say the NBMS keeps them informed on priorities (+3 points).
Member Representation and Advocacy
Perceptions of NBMS representation have improved:
- 44% feel NBMS is responsive to physician concerns (+5 points).
- 43% agree the NBMS represents physicians fairly across regions (+6 points).
- 43% believe NBMS properly addresses peer group concerns (+8 points).
- However, 20-26% of members remain neutral, indicating opportunities for stronger engagement.
Advocacy Priorities
- 82% agree the NBMS should strengthen its government relationships on health policy and remuneration (+1 point).
- 77% want the NBMS to play a more visible role in public health-care debates.
- 68% feel the NBMS prioritizes physician health and well-being (+4 points).
- 52% see the NBMS as an influential advocate in policy and legislative matters (+2 points).
- 32% feel government support for physicians has improved (+16 points).
Communications
NBMS members continue to prefer direct and timely communication:
- 74% find direct emails most effective (+2 points).
- 61% value eBulletins (+4 points).
- 58% find the NBMS website useful (-3 points).
- 57% appreciate the President’s Letters (+4 points).
- 45% find Economic News helpful (+1 point).
- 44% see value in the AGM/Physician Summit as a communication tool (+4 points).
NBMS Priorities Moving Forward
Members have identified key focus areas for the NBMS:
- Primary care access, physician retention, and recruitment remain top priorities.
- Other important areas include health system improvements, practice support programs, and specialty care services.
- Patient-focused health prevention campaigns ranked lower in priority.
- Physician leadership programs and executive coaching were considered the least critical initiatives.
Conclusion
The 2025 Membership Satisfaction Survey provides invaluable insights into the perspectives of NBMS members. By addressing these findings, the NBMS can enhance member satisfaction, strengthen engagement, and refine its advocacy efforts to better serve physicians in an evolving health-care landscape.
Nora Lacey, Chief of Physician and Patient Engagement & Minha Haque, Health Promotion and Advocacy Specialist
