Partnership encourages increased Doctor recruitment

The Town is working with Muskoka Futures

Huntsville General Committee were advised about a new partnership that could lead to increased physician recruitment and retention, in the April 30, 2025, meeting.

Last February Muskoka Futures (MF) approached Committee about a potential partnership to provide another incentive to the Town’s physician recruitment and retention program.

MF indicated that they could provide low-interest rate loans if the Town can cover interest costs of loans for physicians looking to relocate to the community.

According to the staff report, MF is funded by FedNor for the loans they offer and are provided with a reduction in interest rates for partnering with community organizations.

Staff were directed to investigate the potential partnership with MF as a funding source for the program.

Staff reported back that the program is applicable to physicians that have been incorporated. They indicated, “These loans can help provide financial support to incoming physicians with medical professional corporations for practice start up costs.”

They advised that the program may also be available to existing physicians in the Town, for retention purposes, so long as they too have a medical professional corporation.

They also reported that their meeting with MF indicated “a partnership did not require a financial contribution from the Town in order for Fednor to approve lower rate loans for physicians.”

The partnership with MF will involve the Town including promotional information for services provided by MF to physicians and healthcare professionals considering relocating to the community, as a part of the physician recruitment initiative.

The staff report indicates, “The goal of the current physician incentive program (which provides financial incentives in exchange for a five-year commitment is to recruit ten family physicians to address the immediate healthcare needs in our community.”

It adds that once the Town reaches its goal “there may be additional partnership opportunities with Muskoka Futures related to this program,” such as a financial commitment from the Town. Currently there is no financial impact to the Town.

Director of Corporate and Community Strategy, Reva Frame, said the funding for loan amounts will be decided by MF “based on physician needs.”

She emphasized that only physicians with medical professional corporations will be approved – they can’t lend to individuals.

She added that there are professionals in the community that have this credential “but not everyone does.”

Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, praised the initiative. He said, “It’s a great program and hopefully will get some uptake.”