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Provincial government announces new program to attract new physicians to rural Alberta

Posted on February 9, 2022 by 40 Mile Commentator

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

Alberta Minister of Health Jason Copping announced the Rural Education Supplement and Integrated Doctor Experience Program (RESIDE)in effort to help rural communities attract new doctors on Jan. 31.

RESIDE program will provide $2 million to 20 new family physicians over the next three years.

“RESIDE will be key in attracting new family physicians to bring Albertans in rural communities the health care they deserve. By addressing rural physician recruitment and retention, this $6-million program is another part of our $90-million commitment this year to ensure Albertans have equitable access to physicians no matter where they live,” said Copping.

The chosen physicians will practise in 15 identified rural or remote communities in need.

Family physicians that choose to work in specific communities will be eligible for $60,000 for undergraduate tuition fee reimbursement and remote community incentive ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the remoteness of the community.

Physicians will work three years in a rural community in exchange.

“The RESIDE program will play a vital role in attracting physicians to Alberta’s rural and remote communities. The launch of RESIDE demonstrates the Government of Alberta’s ongoing commitment toward ensuring rural Albertans have access to health care close to home,” said Dr. Gavin Parker, board chairperson, Rural Health Professions Action Plan.

Applications opened Feb. 1 for new-in-practice physicians at https://rhpap.ca.

Deadline to apply is March 31.

Successful applicants will be determined by a committee represented by Alberta Health,  Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPap), the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, communities in need and Alberta Health Services.

“The Selection will be based on their fit for the community and the available job, as well as where an applicant is from and their experience working in a rural area,” as read in the press release.

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