City Continues Working to Attract Family Physicians

Rural areas have found it more challenging to attract enough doctors to meet patient needs. The City of Owen Sound continues to look for support to attract and retain Family Physicians to the area while also leveraging relationships with neighbouring municipalities.   

At last week’s Corporate Services Committee meeting, Fire Chief Phil Eagleson presented a report highlighting the upcoming physician recruitment events in the area and outlined the Grey Bruce/Owen Sound Physician Recruitment and Retention Taskforce’s strategy. 

Several of the events planned this year are intended to attract future physicians to our community, give them the opportunity to experience everything the area has to offer, and return to practice Family Medicine in Owen Sound in the future.  

Rural Medicine Week: 

• a one-week elective offered to pre-clerk Ontario University medical students during their summer break. This week aims to provide pre-clerks with the opportunity to get “hands-on” clinical experience and showcase what the host community has to offer. 

Discovery Healthcare Summer Camp: 

• provides a unique learning opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, paramedics, kinesiology, or other healthcare professions. 

 Rural Medicine Retreat: 

• an opportunity for residents and physicians interested in the area to come and enjoy a fun weekend in the Grey-Bruce region. 

New Medical Residents Coming to Owen Sound: 

• Three new PGY1 Family Medicine Residents will start in Owen Sound in July. Historically, the Owen Sound Family Health Team has had remarkable success in encouraging residents to join their team after completing the residency placements. 

The Grey Bruce/Owen Sound Physician Recruitment and Retention Workshop: 

• The purpose is to develop a sustainable governance model for regional recruitment, such as a Grey Bruce/Owen Sound Community Cooperative for Physician Recruitment and Retention. 

This recruitment approach has proven successful, but it takes time to reap the rewards. City Staff continue to work with Brightshores Health System, the Owen Sound Family Health Team, and other partners to attract Family Physicians to Owen Sound. 

For more information, please contact Phil Eagleson, Owen Sound Fire Chief at 519-376-2512 ext. 2244 or email peagleson@owensound.ca 

Quick Facts: 

• The City continues to work with local partners to attract Family Physicians to the area 

• The report for the City’s 2024 Physician Recruitment Update is available online 

• Earlier this year, a delegation from Owen Sound attended the Rural Ontario Municipality Association (ROMA) annual conference to address key issues affecting the region, including physician recruitment 

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