Smaller communities face significant challenges when family doctors retire or relocate, creating healthcare vulnerabilities. While doctor recruitment is competitive, some communities with strategic leadership are finding success.

In one case study, a town of 5,200 implemented an innovative solution after losing its doctor to retirement:

The town rented the clinic from the retiring doctor, hired administrative staff and part-time nurses on the town's payroll, and recruited four doctors on long-term employment contracts. They managed all clinic overhead without requiring doctor contributions, creating a model where doctors could focus solely on patient care.

To fund the $500,000 annual expense, the town partnered with Healtheon, which provided:

• AI-enabled digital infrastructure for clinic efficiency

• Team-based care funding mechanisms

• Secure two-way patient messaging

• Affordable private health insurance options

• Access to on-demand specialist networks

• Processing of patient contributions directly to the town

This partnership created a sustainable model benefiting all stakeholders and offers a potential framework for other communities facing similar challenges.

For inquiries or further information, please email: info@healtheon.ca