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Family Physicians

There are over 20 primary care clinics in Thunder Bay, which represent a mix of primary health care models and programs including Family Health Teams (FHTs), Organizations (FHOs), and Groups (FHGs), as well as Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Aboriginal Health Access Centres to address the needs of the population while providing physicians with many options.

It has been extensively reported that the health care needs in Northwestern Ontario are greater than the Ontario average, and people are less likely to be able to see a primary care provider when they are sick. Thunder Bay is looking for primary care physicians with an interest in improving access to care and health equity for northerners

Family doctors in Thunder Bay enjoy diverse practices that are often a mix of clinic and hospital work as well as focused medicine. They work in state-of-the-art facilities and easily maintain a healthy work-life balance with short commutes and all the stress-free convenience that comes with a relaxed lifestyle. Teaching and research opportunities are available through the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).

Learn more about living, working, and academic opportunities in our community

Licensing

Family physicians must be certified with the College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) and registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

If you are a foreign-trained doctor (international medical graduate), find out how to become a licensed physician in Ontario

Practice Opportunities

Family Health Organizations (FHOs) and Family Health Teams (FHTs)

Independent and Fee for Service

Inpatient Practice Opportunities

Practice opportunities in emergency medicine, palliative care, mental health and addictions, as well as hospitalist and surgical assist positions are available through Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG). View the current recruitment needs with TBRHSC and SJCG. Full-time and locum opportunities are also posted to HFOjobs.

Want to learn more about practicing family medicine in Thunder Bay? You may be eligible for a Ministry-funded site visit. If you’d like to explore local practice opportunities, contact our physician recruiter to arrange a visit.

Locums

Physicians looking for locum opportunities in Thunder Bay are encouraged to browse HealthForceOntario’s job bank or contact a local clinic directly. You may also email your CV and availability to provide locum coverage to healthrecruitment@thunderbay.ca. 

Incentives

Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI)
Grant of $80,000 distributed over four years to family physicians and specialists. Physicians must apply and be approved for the program prior to starting practice. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website to learn more and apply.

Northern Physician Retention Initiative (NPRI)
Grant of $7,000 annually for family physicians and specialists after minimum four years of service. Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website to learn more and apply.

Physician Peer to Peer Recruitment Grant

Grant of $1,000 for local physicians in exchange for peer-to-peer recruitment. Learn more and apply.

Community Assessment Visit Program

Reimbursement of travel expenses for a site visit to Thunder Bay. Contact Thunder Bay’s physician recruiter to learn more.

Income Stabilization
Guaranteed compensation for physicians who have joined a Family Health Network (FHN) or Family Health Organization (FHO) while they develop their patient rosters. Learn more.

Contact Us

Community Health Sciences Recruiter
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC)
Suite 701 – 34 Cumberland Street North
Thunder Bay, ON  P7C 5K4

Direct: (807)625-2541
Toll-free: 1-800-668-9360

Email: healthrecruitment@thunderbay.ca

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