Ontario to Add 100 Family Doctors to Rural and Northern Communities

December 5, 2024
PALMERSTON, Ontario

The Ontario government is taking significant steps to address the shortage of primary care providers in rural and northern communities. Through the Practice Ready Ontario program, 100 internationally trained family physicians will be licensed to practice medicine in these underserved areas starting in 2025. This initiative aims to connect over 120,000 people to much-needed primary care services.

A Bold Solution to Expand Primary Care Access
Launched in 2023, the Practice Ready Ontario program streamlines the licensing process for foreign-trained doctors by eliminating redundant re-education requirements. Physicians with family medicine training who complete a 12-week assessment can begin practicing in Ontario after fulfilling program criteria. Participants are also required to commit to a three-year service term in rural or northern communities.

“Our government is taking bold action to ensure everyone in Ontario can access a primary care provider,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This program connects patients to high-quality care in their own communities while addressing physician shortages.”

The 12-week assessment equips doctors with the skills needed for diverse practice settings, including clinics, hospitals, emergency departments, and long-term care facilities.

Strengthening Ontario’s Health Workforce
This program complements Ontario’s broader investments in healthcare, including:

• The expansion of medical school seats, adding 260 undergraduate and 449 postgraduate positions.
• $88 million in Learn and Stay grants for 1,360 medical students who commit to serving as family doctors upon graduation.
• A historic expansion of interprofessional care teams, connecting 330,000 more people to primary care.

These efforts aim to bridge the gap for the remaining 10% of Ontarians seeking a family doctor, ensuring access to care for generations to come.

Quick Facts

• Only candidates meeting stringent standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) were selected.
• Ontario has seen a 10% rise in family doctors since 2018, with over 15,000 new physicians joining the workforce.
• The government has committed $546 million through the 2024 Budget to expand primary care access for 600,000 additional Ontarians.

Voices of Support
Leaders across Ontario’s healthcare system have lauded the initiative:

• Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington: “This program ensures more people in rural Ontario can access care close to home.”
• Anthony Dale, CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association: “Improving access to primary care alleviates pressure on rural hospitals and enhances patient outcomes.”
• Nicole Beben, CEO of Touchstone Institute: “This program exemplifies our dedication to integrating internationally trained physicians into underserved communities.”

Looking Ahead
The Practice Ready Ontario program exemplifies the province’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through innovation and investment. By welcoming internationally trained family physicians, Ontario is fostering a stronger, more connected healthcare system that meets the needs of its growing population.