Finding a family physician is much easier in Centre Wellington now than it was ten years ago, but that does mean recruitment officials have become complacent.
That was the message from Dr. Nicole Petrov when she presented a report from the physician recruitment committee to the township’s committee of the whole on Jan. 16.
Petrov said three physicians relocated to the township last year, with two taking over practices from retiring doctors and another building a practice from the township’s list of those waiting for a family doctor.
“We still work at a deficit – but do quite well compared to other communities,” Petrov said.
She explained the community still needs to find from one to three new doctors every year, adding some current doctors “don’t want to retire until they have someone to take over. We’ve had great success … We’re not through yet.”
Council also received a report from Karen Welch, the chairman of the local stakeholder’s group for health professional recruitment and retention.
She warned, “In rural communities especially, there are no quick fixes to physician recruitment. Competition for a limited supply of rural physicians continues to be fierce. We have discovered no single strategy works for all situations.”
She did cite some of the ways recruitment is taking place. That includes marketing initiatives and new recruitment materials, such as a website, booth and brochures were launched in 2010 targeting young doctors and nurses. That campaign promotes the area as a great place to live and work.
The working group also targets medical students to come to the area and obtain rural experience. The key is ongoing education for people working in rural areas.
“Students go back to their main campus and tell other students about their experiences,” Welch said in her report. “Centre Wellington has a robust medical education program. Last year the township hosted 38 medical students.”
The report noted hosting prospective applicants is an important strategy, and when people visit they receive a carefully-planned tour that shows off the township.
The recruitment group will review the number of doctors required to fill vacancies and assess medical clinic space to accommodate them.
The stakeholders group also held a barbecue to thank the area’s physicians and families.
Councillor Steve Vanleeuwen asked if the possibility of a new hospital helps to recruit physicians.
Petrov said it will, because it is “nice to operate in a nice environment. The new hospital will definitely be an asset.”
Councillor Fred Morris asked how much clinic space is needed. Petrov said there are four spaces in the old Dalby House building in Elora, but in Fergus the building near the hospital is outdated, and other places are crowded.
“With the new hospital, there might be an opportunity for more office space down the road,
Petrov said.
Councillor Kelly Linton asked about the reasons for the township’s recruitment success.
Petrov said much of it is due to “all the teaching.” She said most of the community’s doctors take medical students.
She said of those doctors, “They live here. There are great facilities, and great schools. A very large portion [of medical students] come back … They really recognize what a great community we have.”
But, she said, new doctors need space for an office. “If there’s no space, they won’t come here.”
Visser also gave Petrov credit for her vibrant approach at exhibitions and industry promotion days, where an event is held for medical students to try to attract them to places across the province.
He said there is a foundation for an expanded medical clinic in Fergus, and agreed, “It’s very important for us to have space … No new doctor wants to start in his house, with no help.”
