Fredericton is supporting provincial efforts to attract more doctors with a welcome strategy that targets family medicine residents and medical students with information and activities that highlight the city’s close community and exceptional quality of life.
The goal is to support Horizon Health Network and the Department of Health in hiring more medical professionals in the capital region. The City of Fredericton resides in Health Zone 3, where only 63.5% of provincial population reported having access to a primary health care provider in 2024 according to the New Brunswick Health Council. The provincial average is 77.2 per cent.
In addition to provincial partners, the City is working together with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Ignite, New Brunswick Medical Society, New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation and Capital Region Service Commission to attract new medical professionals. The strategy targets family medicine residents and medical students, doctors considering moving to Fredericton and doctors on specialty elective rotations.
The goal is to help new doctors find community in Fredericton and to help them decide to stay and practice in the city’s new collaborative care clinics and hospital.
In recognition of the urgent need for increased access to primary healthcare the City of Fredericton has taken on an active role in supporting ongoing physician recruitment efforts led by the Government of New Brunswick.
"As municipal leaders, we hear firsthand how the lack of access to primary care is impacting our residents and our local economy" said Kate Rogers, Mayor of Fredericton. “Becoming engaged on the physician attraction file through promoting all our city has to offer is one way to support Provincial partners as they work to recruit more healthcare professionals to the Fredericton region."
The City of Fredericton is committed to working with the provincial government and local organizations to increase access to primary care within the city.
Earlier this year, City Council took action by contributing $10,000 to the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation to support scholarships for two family medicine residents who commit to working in Fredericton.