The first step of a community-based physician recruitment campaign in Wallaceburg is complete.
Campaign co-chair Rob Watson announced that the group reached its $100,000 goal and is now discussing bringing family physicians to the community.
“I have to thank the Wallaceburg community for digging in once again and doing a super job,” he said. “I’ve had nothing but open doors with my ask and strong support from everyone.”
Watson said community support came from many sectors, including retail, service groups, financial institutions, agriculture, labour and business professionals.
In addition, more than 100 individuals stepped forward and made personal donations.
“It was every sector of the community,” he said.
Watson said the group, part of the Wallaceburg campus of the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team, aims to eventually bring two or three doctors to Wallaceburg, with the potential for one later this year.
“Physician recruitment is extremely competitive,” he said. “We are competing with much larger municipalities with resources beyond our capabilities. We’re classified as rural medicine so we need to attract physicians in that particular area.”
He said quality of life is paramount, as is a strong work-life balance.
“Physicians need to have a personal life and we have an amazing community with so much to offer. It’s small-town life with nearby large community amenities since we’re an hour away from London and Windsor,” Watson said.
He said funds raised will be used to smooth the transition for new doctors who often have significant debt; and the cost of setting up a practice, including licensing; as well as wage interruption since it takes time for doctors to get an OHIP billing number.
“The biggest opportunity right now is in the United Kingdom and United States – there are doctors unhappy in both areas and are willing to listen. We are also talking to graduates from McGill, Western, and other schools.”
