Recruitment Task Force To Attract Physicians

Many residents are looking for a family doctor, but a recruitment task force has had some recent luck in attracting more physicians.

Many residents are looking for a family doctor, but a recruitment task force has had some recent luck in attracting more physicians.

The bad news is the latest numbers show 10,366 people in the region still need a family doctor. However, the group has had success. Since last July, they have been able to match up 4,138 residents with a physician, and they have also recruited four family physicians to the Comox Valley. There are another dozen doctors seriously looking into the area.

Dr. Jonathan Kerr sits on an advisory committee for Comox Valley Division of Family Practice and also chairs a committee charged with recruiting and retaining family physicians for the Comox Valley.  He pointed out several challenges such as population growth, retirements or even something unexpected like the recent tragic death of Dr. Brad Harris as factors that affect the availability of family physicians in the community.

The need for family doctors came up during the most recent board meeting of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District. As well, at a recent Comox council meeting, Dr. Jonathan Reggler questioned a proposal for adding residential units in the community while there is a need for more doctors to meet patient demand.

Kerr, as a new member of Comox’s council, said the need for a family doctor was one of the most important issues, along with climate change and affordable housing, he heard from people while campaigning during the town’s byelection last fall.