THE RURBAN FRINGE

Rural Doctor Attraction Requires Creativity, Tenacity

Posted on | November 16, 2009 | No Comments

In Canada and the US, recruiting and retaining physicans in rural areas is a major, ongoing challenge.

With factors such as population growth, aging, and other issues affecting physician numbers, simply educating more doctors won’t fill this widening gap, complex changes (such as improving health care delivery models and systems) are needed, as are creative strategies which address rural health care practitioner concerns. 

And it is precisely in this last area where communities can let their creativity shine.

Communities need to become proactive and realize that decent professional programs and service models alone won’t solve their workforce supply problem, they need to be accompanied by a range of additional incentives such as good community infrastructures, adequate compensation, spousal supports, and educational opportunities for children.

Finding unique ways to showcase these advantages will make your community memorable.

Take Australian medical student Shannon Nott, for instance.  His initiative, the Rural Appreciation Weekend (RAW), introduces students in health-related fields to rural living through a weekend event on his family’s rural property in central western New South Wales, Australia.

“Students stay on Shannon’s family property, are given a tour of the farm by [his] father and brother, meet the local community at social events, take part in indigenous cultural awareness sessions, listen to talks on rural health, get involved in team-building exercises and … even meet a snake handler,” Rural Doctors’ Association of Australia president Nola Maxfield said in a statement, praising the initiative.

“The weekend shows the students the great lifestyle that rural practice can provide, and also the wide scope of practice that working as a rural health professional can provide.  This type of experience is so essential in getting more medical students and health students to consider a future career in rural healthcare.” 

Or Healthkick Huron, a Canadian pilot project developed with the understanding that healthcare is fundamental to economic development and community growth. 

By focusing on skills development, youth engagement, and a three-pronged recruitment and retention strategy (including a Community Ambassador Program, Rural Healthcare Experience Centre, and an International Medical Graduate Certification Program), Huron County drew upon its strengths, developed advantageous partnerships, and are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Time and again, rural communities prove themselves innovative and creative in reaching solutions that best meet their needs.

Do you have a successful story to share?

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Find out more about the Rural Appreciation Weekend initiative here.

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