Recruiting drive

Groups pool resources to ‘sell’ area to medical professionals

NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Nicole LeBlanc’s job is difficult to explain. She’s deeply involved with recruiting and retaining medical professionals in Pictou County. That said, she’s not a recruiter. LeBlanc works closely with recruiters from the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Northern management zone but is not employed by NSHA. And over the next five years she is 100 per cent committed to not only helping Pictou County attract and hire new primary caregivers and specialists but also to help establish the tools to ensure the county’s staying power as a place where doctors will want to work and raise their families. For LeBlanc, who started work in October as Project Navigator for Healthy Pictou County, the first step has been in marketing the heck out of the communities in Pictou County. That means a fresh online presence showcasing the benefits of starting a medical practice here, and putting Pictou County on a level playing field with other regions working to attract the same medical professionals and students. “What we’re really trying to do is show people that we have some of the things they have in larger urban settings, but also show them what we have that really stands out that is unique,” LeBlanc told a packed board room during the Aberdeen Health Foundation’s annual general meeting, Feb. 28. “When we’re recruiting and looking at physicians and healthcare providers, we’re not just recruiting them for their work,” she said. “We’re recruiting their families, we’re recruiting their kids.” LeBlanc said support from the community — particularly local photography groups — has been extremely helpful in showcasing Pictou County’s best side during a time of the year when things are typically not as welcoming. “The Merb (Melmerby Beach) is nice right now if you bundle up and go for a winter walk, but we really need those nice shots from the summer, and so the Snaps local photography group has been absolutely fantastic in donating their photos and things like that.” LeBlanc says she’s also focused on reaching out to other local groups, businesses and organizations to help as much as possible in this recruitment initiative. From web designers assisting with the website, to Chapel Cove Chocolates which has been helping put together medical-themed chocolates in visitors’ welcome packages, LeBlanc says she’s keen to keep it local. Form April 1, 2018, until the end of January 2019, 11 physicians have visited Pictou County. Site visits make up a big part of recruitment, and a big part of LeBlanc’s strategy will be to make the most of these moments. “This is a big decision for them, both personally and professionally. Sometimes they’re having a couple of hours to look at what is a potential home for them and their families,” said LeBlanc.