New OHA Locum Credentialing Program to Enhance Physician
Recruitment & Retention in Rural and Northern Communities
Ontario Hospital Association
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Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
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Tuesday, November 16, 2004
TORONTO - To improve access to care in rural and Northern Ontario, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) launched its Locum Credentialing Application Program (LCAP) at the Rural and Northern Health Care Session held during the OHA's annual Convention and Exhibition, OHA HealthAchieve2004.
"Enhancing access to health care for residents in small, rural and Northern communities is a priority for the OHA," said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA."The program facilitates a seamless application process for family physicians seeking appointments as locum tenens in the hospitals in these communities."
Developed in consultation with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Ontario (PAIRO), and the Ontario Region of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, the program enables physicians to apply for their locum tenens appointments through a single application form that is maintained in strict confidence, and then is distributed to participating hospitals through the OHA.
"The province is currently facing a significant physician shortage," said Dr. John Rapin, President of the OMA. "This province-wide program will simplify the application process by reducing the administrative burden on physicians and will help to improve patient-access to physicians where they are needed most"
While aiming to increase the immediate supply of physicians to these areas, the program has the potential to enhance full-time recruitment by providing opportunities for physicians to experience working in rural communities.
"Doctors want to locum as a way of gaining experience or looking for a community to settle in", says Dr. Danielle Martin, President of PAIRO. "Today's locum could be tomorrow's full time physician".
While this is the first year for the LCAP, it is expected that it will be extended to other physician specialities, as well as to larger hospitals throughout the province.
The LCAP, including the Application Form, is available on-line, or to download through OHA's website at www.oha.com. For more information about the program, please refer to locum@oha.com
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For further information:
OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1348