As with many communities in the province of Alberta, and right across the country, Olds is struggling to secure a sufficient number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care providers. As citizens of our community, we are concerned about the shortage of physicians. It is important that the community support the existing medical staff by assisting physicians to expand their practices. At the Olds Institute, we believe it is our responsibility to be actively involved in our own health care.Modern community hospital facilities are important incentives for attracting and retaining physicians. We need to make prospective newcomers aware of the terrific amenities we have for them to practice medicine. The community dimension of this committee works hand-in-hand with the David Thompson Health Region. We're talking about MDs for Olds, but we also need to have specialists to back them up at the regional level. We have also shared thoughts with our provincial political leaders in regards to health care coverage.
Attracting team oriented, well trained physicians has never been more challenging. Recruiting quality physicians is like drafting an NHL player - it's a real competition. We must take advantage of our prime location on the Calgary/Edmonton corridor, and showcase our community to prospective medical practioners, so they are aware of our fabulous amenities and the lifestyle our community offers.
Although medical facilities are important, they are not the only factors to consider. Social, cultural, recreational, religious, and economic conditions also play a major role in the recruitment of physicians. We must be aware of the need for quality housing, educational opportunities, and a variety of recreational opportunities for the doctor's spouse and children.
In addition, retaining those individuals is even a greater challenge given the ever expanding and competitive market.
Bringing doctors and nurses to Olds - and keeping them here - these are the types of programs the Olds Physician Attraction & Retention Committee volunteers have been diligently working on.
Committee Strategic Plan
If you are a physician looking for a place where your family will enjoy making their home, and where you can put your talents to good use and be the doctor you've always dreamed of being, please click here.
New Doctors arriving in Olds
Recognition and Appreciation receptions for Olds' Physicians
Medical Students Visit Olds
The annual Physician Family BBQ was held on Oct 4th at the Evergreen Centre in recognition of our family physicians and what they bring to our
community. It was hosted by members of the Physician Attraction & Retention Committee with very able assistance from members of the Community Lifestyles Committee. Murray Ball and Harvey Walsh represented Town Council while Harvey Walsh brought welcoming and thank you comments as Deputy Mayor. Thanks go out to Kathy Doyle, Rita Thompson, Erica Sweetman, Grant Spence, Bonnie Giles, and Charlotte Hogarth.
