Timmins boosts physician recruitment strategies

The City of Timmins is bolstering its strategy to attract more physicians to the northern community that is short between 40 and 45 doctors.

The City of Timmins is bolstering its strategy to attract more physicians to the northern community.

It’s joined forces with the Timmins Economic Development Corp. and the Timmins and District Hospital to get provincial funding for recruiting tools, including a conference fair table and banner.

Timmins is short at least 40 to 45 family doctors and specialists.

“We hear from employers that their employees don’t have access to a doctor and we know that it is a matter of economic development having access to primary care and to a family physician,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau.

Hospital recruiter Corey Krupa said their efforts are paying off, with five physicians recruited in the past six months. Krupa said typically only four doctors have been recruited in years prior.

He said the $60,000 startup grant helps his efforts, including $20,000 from the hospital, $20,000 from the City of Timmins and $20,000 from Agnico Eagle.

“So thanks to this incentive, it helps physicians establish themselves … directly coming out of school,” Krupa said.

Plenty of support

“If it’s someone who’s relocating, it’s certainly a very nice support and it’s helped us in our discussions with physicians for sure.”

Krupa also said the addition of testimonials to the Move to Timmins/Docs in Timmins website will be influential.

“Because physicians … trust other physicians’ opinions,” he said.

The new campaign will soon roll out targeted direct messaging across Canada, in hopes of attracting students or practising physicians who are ready to choose their next adventure.

“For those who are looking for a little bit of adventure, who are looking for diversity in their practice, diversity, and, you know, the kind of, cases they’ll be treating, this really is an ideal place,” said Boileau.

The Timmins physician recruitment and retention committee is selling the city as a place that’s more than a place to practise medicine – it’s a place to tailor-make one’s lifestyle.