New doctors accepting patients in Niagara

Despite the good news, the area is still short about 68 physicians

There are seven new family physicians in Niagara accepting patients. Four of the doctors practice in Niagara Falls, two in St. Catharines and one in Grimsby. “We are fortunate to have options for residents across Niagara for finding a family doctor,” said Jill Croteau, physician recruiter with Niagara Region. “It’s important for residents to have a primary-care physician for a number of reasons. Having a consistent doctor means better doctor-patient relationships. Longer appointment times will help physicians to understand patient issues while ensuring that there is follow up with appropriate specialists or allied health professionals.” Despite the good news, Niagara is still short about 68 physicians, according to a Niagara Physician Recruitment and Retention program. “With our recommended population to doctor ratio of 1:1,380, Niagara is short about 68 physicians,” said Croteau. “The majority of Niagara is on a list of communities deemed as high physician need through the Ministry of Health and are classified as under-serviced.” The recruitment and retention program has been funded by Niagara Region since 2001 and has been under the public health umbrella for six years. The program works closely with the Niagara campus of McMaster University DeGroote School of Medicine and attends career fairs and development days with this group as well as other medical schools across the province. “It’s about positively showcasing Niagara and the opportunities that are available in the area, as well as keeping us top of mind with family medicine residents and connecting those individuals with clinics or physician leaders in the area,” said Croteau. “Subsequently, my role may range from making the initial connection, providing a community tour with assistance from the municipalities, conducting interviews with the clinic or touring lease space.” In 2016, the program recorded more than a third of its 263 family physicians are within retirement age. “In 2018, we have found ourselves in the middle of this significant shift with 34 family physicians leaving or closing their practice within a two-year period,” said Croteau. “Some of these practices were solo offices in a model that is difficult to attract new graduates to. Most new graduates are looking to work in a group model with allied health support and electronic medical records.” Within the same two-year period, 27 physicians started working in the area, she said. More than half of the new physicians in the region were able to take over existing rosters to ensure a seamless transition for patients. Some practices, however, have closed without a successor which leaves residents looking for a new doctor. The aging physician group is not a situation unique to Niagara, said Croteau. It’s an Ontario-wide issue which makes it highly competitive to attract the limited new graduates. Croteau said those who don’t have a family physician are encouraged to call Health Care Connect at 1-800-4451822 to register with this program. They will help residents to find a primary-care provider in Niagara. People can also find a list of new family doctors at niagaradocs.ca.