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 Physician Recruitment & Retention 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.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Physicians Retention Chair Mel Giles, or call Gail Scott, Olds CEDO at 403-507-4849.