How Lethbridge, Alberta, found a solution to its family doctor shortage
"For several years, there had been a revolving door of family doctors in the southern Alberta city. Some coming in, but more leaving. And before anyone seemed to grasp the severity of the situation, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 40,000 people found themselves without a dedicated physician in a city of just 100,000.But in an unusual move, the municipal government in Lethbridge, which was rarely part of provincial recruiting efforts, formed a partnership with Alberta Health Services. The result: 17 family doctors were hired last year – more than triple the intake of 2021 and far beyond the four total hires in 2020 and 2019."