Government introduces new initiatives to get more family doctors working

The provincial government has introduced new initiatives to get more family doctors working in the province.

The provincial government, along with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association announced a one-year pilot program to help entice retired family physicians to come back to the workforce.

As part of the program, the provincial government will cover the cost of licensing fees and liability protection for eligible retired family physicians, as well as provide a pro-rated rural retention bonus for physicians in eligible communities for every month of service they provide under this program.

Additionally, the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association will waive membership fees for currently retired physicians who opt to return to practice under the program.

To be eligible, a retired physician must have practiced a minimum of 120 days within the last three years and meet other applicable requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Under the program, the physician will be required to provide a minimum of 30 days of service.

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The province also signed a collective agreement with the Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, which represents the province’s postgraduate medical trainees.

The collective agreement has a five-year duration, retroactive from 2019 to 2024 and will provide wage parity with maritime resident doctors and includes increases to other rates and allowances.

It also provides flexibility for residents to substitute a statutory holiday such that they can observe a non-Christian faith-based holiday.