Government continues with incentives to get family doctors to work here

It provides $150,000, the highest incentive offered in Atlantic Canada, to new physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, in return for a five-year service commitment.

Government is looking for more doctors to come to the province under the Family Practice Start-Up Program. As of June 2023, 33 physicians have accepted employment as a result of the Come Home Incentive and 22 family physicians are practicing in the province due to the family practice programs. Health Minister Tom Osborne says it’s the best incentive in all of Atlantic Canada. It provides $150,000, the highest incentive offered in Atlantic Canada, to new physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, in return for a five-year service commitment. Health Minister Tom Osborne says Family physicians working less than full-time may be eligible for pro-rated funding. He says it can also be combined with other incentives, like the come home incentive. The deadline to apply is the end of August. As well, these new family doctors will be guaranteed minimum income over their first two years of practice. 

Visit the Health Care Action website for more details on government’s recruitment and retention initiatives. More information, including the application form, can be found here, or by emailing MedServicesPrograms@gov.nl.ca.