St. Thomas area doctor incentive program funds 7 physicians so far this year [Video]

A financial incentive program offered by the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County to attract and retain family doctors has doled out funds this year to seven physicians, including at least three new to the region.

It’s among financial incentives on offer across Ontario from municipal and county governments with the aim of curtailing growing doctor shortages and retaining family physicians.

In St. Thomas, the city and county have offered $33,000 in interest-free, forgivable loans for years as part of a Health Recruitment Partnership involving local politicians and other community stakeholders, including St. Thomas Elgin General hospital and the area Home Builders’ Association.

The loans can be used for office expenses and medical equipment, among other things, and are forgivable on condition the doctor provide at least four years of service in the county.

Last week, St. Thomas council endorsed providing funding to two new doctors — Dr. Wallace …