New Website Launched to Promote Physician Recruitment
Prince George, B.C.- Northern Health has launched a new website as a new tool for physician recruitment.
The interactive site, (accessible here )showcases physicians talking about their lives and their work in the communities in which they live.
The two current physicians featured on the site are Dr. Charles Helm from Tumbler Ridge, B.C. and Dr. Quinton Du Preez from Fort St. John, B.C.
Testimonials from physicians in other communities in the Northern Interior, Northwest, and Northeast will be added in the near future.
“We’re glad to have a close partnership with our physicians in northern B.C. and that they’re willing to be advocates for their communities,” said Dr. Ronald Chapman, Vice President of Medicine. “The new website will help physicians to tell their stories and encourage others with similar interests to join them in northern B.C.”
“I am excited to be part of this project and participate as a local government spokesperson advocating for physicians to come to Fort St. John,” said Lori Ackerman, Mayor of Fort St. John. “We’re recruiting physicians to our community, and know the keys are using unique tools like the new Northern Health physician recruitment website and community partnerships.”
Other information on the website includes community profiles, current practice opportunities, and a description of the Northern Medical Program.
Last year, Northern Health was successful in recruiting over fifty physicians and specialists to the region.
Comments
I was curious about how they were selling the region and this is what is noted on the “Live Here” tab:
“Northern British Columbia features spectacular lifestyle options in family-oriented communities. Shopping, dining, post-secondary education, theatre, and recreation are just a few of the amenities youâll enjoy.
Forget about traffic jams — we donât have them. Get to know your neighbours. Climb a mountain –we have plenty! Kayak on lakes, scenic northern rivers, or the Pacific Ocean. Jump on your mountain bike and explore the back country, or take your kids for a walk in the park. Enjoy winter fun: downhill and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Embrace all four seasons!”
When I read this I can’t help but think about the challenges the area faces in attracting physicians. With the exception of the “Pacific Ocean” and possibly “climbing a mountain” or “downhill skiing”, every single one of those things can be had anywhere in Canada and more than half of the country would have them all except for the “Pacific Ocean” part.
I do think the website is good in that it gives lots of summary information about the cities in the region, opportunities for practise, etc. It seems to be a good portal for those people who are looking.
I’m just really stating to wonder what the competitive advantage for Northern BC truly is, if it even has one. I think it’s fine to mention the outdoor activities and all of that stuff, but I think it’s time to stop pretending that this stuff can only be found in Northern BC. What is the plan to attract those physicians who don’t care about catching a trout, walking in the forest or firing up a snowmobile?
I suspect the medical school at UNBC and the opportunity to get involved with work there is one of the bigger attractions. The new Cancer Care centre would probably be another, which incidentally seems noticeably absent on the webpage. I would try devoting ALLOT more resources on that stuff, along with what makes practising medicine in the north different from every other place that a doctor could set up shop. IMHO, it’s those unique things that are going to draw more interest to the region.
Okay, the more I look at some of the city descriptions, the more I think this is of questionable value . . .
Should cities really have to advertise that they have soccer fields? Bowling alleys? Golfing? Wildlife viewing? Restaurants? Skating? Tennis courts?
Is this really going to get anyone excited to pack up their stuff and move across the country to set up shop????? I think perhaps some marketing help is needed . . .
they forgot potholes and endless amounts of snow!!!! more city of PG good traits
they forgot potholes and endless amounts of snow!!!! more city of PG good traits
We have them rite here …being trained here too!this education is not cheap….lets say 5% off loans for each year they stay or sign a contract be4 they start schooling..X many years in the north and then …..who knows may like it!
The reality is, even though med students may be from the north and train in the north, most of them still want and need to spread their wings to other areas where they can gain additional medical experience in their field of choice. Offering them bonuses and other incentives seem to work for the married couples who want a family life in a smaller community, but it doesn’t work for many of the single doctors, regardless of what they get paid.
Prince George is a hard sell at the best of times.
Our competition is Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver area, South Okanogan, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, etc; etc;.
All those area’s are growing by leaps and bounds, while Prince George and area, at best is holding its own.
If there was a shortage of jobs for doctors things might be different, but there is no shortage.
When all else fails, just go out and buy another Northern Health bus. Just what the doctor prescribed.
You forgot Quesnel Palopu!
I can’t believe that any PG promotions don’t proudly state our greatest feature.
“Our Air Has Flavour”.
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