In early 2014, the City of Cranbrook experienced an urgent shortage of family physicians, due to several physicians retiring or leaving the community. This created a sudden increase in unattached patients. The EK Division convened a task force, composed of local government leaders (City Councilors and the Mayor, Regional District Chair), the MLA, the MP, business leaders (realtor, the Chamber of Commerce President), School Districts members, and others interested in ensuring the community attracted new family physicians.

Red Carpet Committee

The task force also formed a Red Carpet Committee (RCC), which ensured that potential recruits had a positive and welcoming experience when they visited the city. The RCC organized a range of opportunities for recruits, from fishing expeditions to rounds of golf, attending dinners and luncheons, housing and educational options, as well as support in finding spousal employment. The efforts of these committee and task force members showcased Cranbrook as an attractive place to live, work and play.

Through these partnerships, six family physicians were recruited to Cranbrook, as well as several locums from 2014 to 2016.

Current Focus

Initially the RCC met regularly, but when the urgent situation was resolved, they were not recalled again until January 2017, to address several family physician vacancies in Cranbrook.

We look forward to continuing to work with this supportive group of partners.

Learn more about Permanent Opportunities for family physicians in the East Kootenays.

Contact

Jacqui van Zyl
Recruitment & Retention Coordinator
250-426-4890
jvanzyl@divisionsbc.ca