Quesnel, B.C. – Civic leaders, health officials and political representatives will be huddling in Quesnel next week to put together an action plan aimed at attracting doctors to that community.

The April 1st invitation event will be moderated by Dr. David Snadden from the UBC Northern Medical Program and will include Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes, representatives from the City of Quesnel, Northern Health, local physicians, and the Cariboo Regional District. The format follows successful meetings in other northern communities including Fort St. James and Fort St. John to assist with physician recruitment strategies.

“We recognize the challenge for rural communities like ours in recruiting and retaining physicians,” says Oakes.  “We are very proud of our city and our region, and we are going to do everything we can to showcase the fantastic opportunities we have to offer. I will continue to work with Minister Lake, Northern Health, and city council to encourage physicians to set up a practice in Quesnel.”

“Physicians chose where they want to practice based on a number of factors, with a strong importance placed on the lifestyle they will be offered in the community,” said Michael McMillan, Northern Health’s chief operating officer for the northern interior. “We have seen with communities such as Fort St. James that physician recruitment is successful when the community is actively involved in the process. We are excited to work with the City of Quesnel and other local partners.”

“Professionals in any industry will choose to live in a community that demonstrates active support and appreciation for them,” said Bob Simpson, Quesnel Mayor. “As a city we need to actively recruit health professionals by highlighting the benefits of living and working in Quesnel. I ask residents to help in our recruitment efforts by positively promoting Quesnel with friends, acquaintances, and on social media.”

The action plan will be released to the community after reviewing with the committee following the meeting.