Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force presents recommendations

High-priced recruiters, gift baskets, community liaison volunteers, host families and advocacy for a system that would leave a certain number of medical school seats reserved for students from the region were among recommendations made by the Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force.

The group was assembled after Steinbach city council looked to investigate the issue of doctor recruitment and retention in 2023. A similar task force was implemented in 2008.

Committee chair Michelle Bezditny presented to council on Tuesday, explaining there is a real need for more doctors.

Based on population growth rates, she said Steinbach has a vacancy of seven doctors but also needs three additional doctors just to keep up.

As of June 27, nearly 4,000 people in the area do not have a primary caregiver while more than 400 have primary care but must travel to reach it.

Bezditny presented four recommendations to council, saying that advocacy is needed to see local medical students in the system.

“The task force has identified that a high percentage of local residents who study, then practice medicine will stay in the local community after completing their studies and residency,” she said. “Our recommendation is for the municipal government to advocate for designated spots for Steinbach and area medical students, therefore increasing intake for those who live in the region, those who are qualified to proceed with medical studies and those who will proceed with physician residency and a permanent position in the community.”

She pointed out this would cost the city nothing.

However, a suggestion that they hire a head-hunter would bring with it a hefty bill.

Bezditny said they are recommending hiring Waterford Global, who calls themselves an executive search and talent advisory firm.

The Winnipeg recruiter would secure medical professionals for a fee of $90,000 per position with a four-year service agreement.

“They have an inventory of practice-ready family physicians who have selected rural Manitoba and their highly specialized approach to recruitment would have an individual practicing in Steinbach within three to six months,” she said.

Bezditny suggested the cost could be shared with other levels of government.

Keeping current family physician resident students in the community is also something the group recommends.

“These student residents are Steinbach’s low hanging fruit as they have already selected Steinbach to fill residency requirements,” she said.

Bezditny said 50 percent of resident physicians stay in the community they practice in.

To make staying more enticing, she said they plan to increase the ability to welcome them to the community. This fall they will host a reception for the 12 residents and their families, proposing to give them a gift basket that is tailored to their interests.

They will also be connected to host families.

“Host families provide a connection to the community and build relationships where the resident physician and family feel cared for and supported,” she said.

That is expected to cost $4,500 to $5,100.

Community liaison work is also recommended to be done in a more formal way with the recommended hiring of someone to work five hours per week for a total cost of $15,000 annually.

“This community liaison service could provide future project development by incorporating objectives such as access to 24/7 childcare, housing, host family alignment, partner/dependent employment opportunities, community events, etc.,” she said.

Council praised Bezditny and the committee for coming up with suggestions but made no immediate promises to follow any of the specific recommendations.