Canada/Grand Forks innovates to attract doctors

Faced with recruitment difficulties and the impending retirement of its remaining physicians, the City of Grand Forks is dedicating $125,000 to a one-year pilot project to pay for the overhead costs of the local medical clinic.

The pilot project has already resulted in the recruitment of a new doctor for the community. Arrangements are underway for another physician and a nurse practitioner to join the group later this year.

The clinic, which serves the community of 4100 and surrounding area, was down to one full-time and two part-time physicians, both of whom were nearing retirement.

Last fall, Dr. Mark Szynkaruk wrote to the Grand-Forks City Council to advise them of the departure of a second physician from the clinic and to propose a solution.

He explained to council members that the overhead costs of a clinic are a major obstacle for young doctors considering relocating to the area, especially when those costs are spread over fewer people.

This is particularly important for young doctors who are still paying off their student debts. Whether a doctor works in a building or a tent, rent, insurance and services have to be paid," Dr. Szynkaruk points out.

In its budget for 2026, the City of Grand Forks has set aside up to $125,000 to pay for the clinic's rent, services and permits, costs that are usually split between the doctors who practice there.

This pilot project provides financial support to new practitioners by ensuring manageable overhead costs as they establish their practice, notes the Grand Forks City Council.

It shouldn't be up to municipalities to do this," said Grand Forks Mayor Everett Baker. Unfortunately, given the situation we find ourselves in, it's essential.

For their part, the doctors are committed to practicing in Grand Forks, supporting patients in need of long-term care and maintaining a right to practice in the emergency room at Boundary Hospital, located in the community.

The hospital serving the region depends on these physicians for emergency services.

When fully staffed, the clinic can serve 7,500 patients - all residents of Grand Forks and the surrounding area, notes the municipality.

Evrett Baker points out that the pilot project will be evaluated in a year's time.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/