Article on doctor issue should have included more on specific incentives

Re: Attracting doctors, clinics discussed at town council in March 11 edition

Here is a list of effective strategies I’ve heard other municipalities use to attract doctors.

•Financial incentives such as large, upfront payments or signing bonuses, relocation expenses, student loan repayment and guaranteed income for the first few years. This may seem extravagant, but the return on investment will be significantly greater to the town than paying anything to do with street festivals.

•Free or subsidized clinic space would entail free spaces, fully equipped clinics, and municipal buildings converted into medical centres shared with administrative services (think Libro Centre or the fire station that is about to be vacant.) 

Building clinics before doctors arrive removes much of the start-up risks and complexities of starting a practice so that doctors can concentrate on patients rather than construction finances.

•Housing and lifestyle perks are things local businesses can help with such as subsidized housing or free housing, waterfront homes, golf membership, restaurant gift certificates, and free vehicle leases.

•Concierge relocation services co-ordinated by a dedicated recruiter should include finding a house, school placement for children, child care, job opportunities for spouses and connecting with community groups. Family logistics is often the real barrier, not money.

A successful campaign must include several specific incentives and not simply announcing at meetings that “we are working on this very hard,” quotes from your article covering the meeting.

—John D’agnillo

Amherstburg

Article on doctor issue should have included more on specific incentives