NEWS |
March 5, 2010 |
Ontario is introducing an initiative that will help attract physicians for residents in Hamilton area.
The province is introducing the Postgraduate Return of Service Program, in which international medical graduates agree to practise for five years in any Ontario community, except the Toronto area and Ottawa, in exchange for postgraduate training opportunities. Previously, these doctors were restricted to practising in rural and northern communities for five years, following graduation
Ontario is also increasing access to family health care for all by adding 50 Family Health Teams and 25 Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics across the province by 2011.
QUOTES
“Our government wants to ensure that areas such as Hamilton have the means to attract more doctors. This initiative will provide opportunities to increase the availability of health care for local residents.”
-Sophia Aggelonitis MPP and Ted McMeekin MPP
QUICK FACTS
§ After graduating, the new graduates will be able to choose among eligible communities, and the terms of the working arrangements are then negotiated between the community and the doctor.
§ It's expected that 175 new international medical graduates will begin practising each year through return-of-service programs this year and in 2011 and 2012. After that 185 will start practising annually.
§ Through the government’s expansion of medical education, 38 per cent more undergraduate school spaces will be created by 2011/12.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the government’s move to create more Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics.
Read more about Health Care Connect which helps Ontarians find a family health care provider.
-30-
CONTACT
Ted McMeekin MPP 905-690-6552
Sophia Aggelonitis 905-388-9734
