Rural physician recruitment and retention in British Columbia

The goal of this research project is to examine rural physician recruitment and retention incentives in British Columbia, and determine their level of effectiveness using the experiences of other provinces for comparative purposes. The examination begins with a discussion of the origins of the rural physician shortage and summary of policy recommendations that emanate from national and BC studies. The methodology includes an examination and critique of the most common techniques of measuring physician coverage, and addresses how limitations in measurement influence recruitment policy. A closer look at the rural recruitment programs in Ontario and Newfoundland provide a historical perspective not yet available in BC.