A time-limited Physician Recruitment Pilot Project has improved access to primary care for an estimated 7,500 residents and supported 10 new physicians joining the community.
Council approved the pilot program in April 2024 to test whether a coordinated, municipally led approach could strengthen physician recruitment and retention. The program ran until December 2025 with a total budget of $580,000.
The pilot established the City’s first centralized physician recruitment function, including a dedicated Physician Recruitment Coordinator, a recruitment database, structured onboarding support, coordinated marketing, and formalized regional and international partnerships. It facilitated six practice transitions, supported two new practices, and helped recruit physicians to hospital-based and specialty roles.
“Physician recruitment is a long-term process requiring sustained effort, coordination, and collaboration,” said Blair Nelson, Commissioner of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management. “The pilot has demonstrated the value of a centralized, data-driven approach that engages local, regional, and provincial partners.”
The program was guided by six pillars, including financial incentives, a community-based Whole of Village model, physician engagement, dedicated staffing, provincial advocacy, and an integrated workplan. Lessons learned will shape future physician recruitment efforts in Peterborough.
Council has approved continuing the City’s physician recruitment program to build on the pilot’s outcomes and address ongoing challenges in primary care access.
